Camberwell Youth Club Site to Become 39 New Homes
Southwark Council unanimously approved plans to demolish the former Hollington Youth Club for a new residential building.
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A former youth club in Camberwell is set to be demolished to make way for 39 new homes. Southwark Council's Planning Committee gave unanimous approval last Wednesday for a new six-storey residential building to be constructed on the site of the former Hollington Youth Club on Comber Grove.
History of the Site and Development Plans
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The Hollington Youth Club, which originally opened in the 1890s and moved to its Comber Grove location in the 1950s, ceased operations in 2017 due to financial difficulties. The building, previously operated by the DMC Hollington Trust, housed facilities including a boxing gym and sports hall. The Trust stated that the club had to close as its upkeep became uneconomical. Applicant Comber Grove Estates submitted the plans for the new development, which will comprise 39 flats. Of these, 40% will be designated as affordable housing, including nine social rent homes and five shared ownership properties. The remaining 25 flats will be for private sale.
Council's Decision and Community Concerns
During the planning meeting, council officers indicated that the loss of the community space was deemed acceptable given the provision of housing, including a significant proportion of affordable units. The development also plans to incorporate cycle and refuse storage, a communal roof terrace for under-5s play, and other amenity spaces. Despite the approval, nine objections were lodged by nearby residents, citing concerns that the proposed building was 'out of character' and too 'bulky' for the area. However, planning officers confirmed the proposals had undergone extensive pre-application scrutiny and were considered satisfactory in terms of design and layout. The committee also imposed additional conditions related to the maintenance of the site's green spaces.
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Future of the Trust and Housing Needs
A statement read on behalf of the DMC Hollington Trust's Chairman explained that the decision to pursue a development with flats above was made to recapitalise the charity after the club became unsustainable. While a previous developer withdrew due to increased costs and the pandemic, the Trust stated that the current social housing scheme addresses a long-standing need in the borough. The Trust anticipates that the income generated from the new development will enable it to continue supporting Southwark's youth for over 100 years.
Questions this report answers
+What will happen to the Hollington Youth Club site?
The Hollington Youth Club site will be demolished to make way for a new six-storey residential building. This development will include 39 flats, with 40% designated as affordable housing, including social rent and shared ownership properties.
+How many affordable homes will the new development include?
The new development will include 16 affordable homes, which is 40% of the total 39 flats. This includes nine social rent homes and five shared ownership properties, addressing a long-standing need in the borough.
+Why was the youth club closed down?
The Hollington Youth Club closed in 2017 due to financial difficulties, as its upkeep became uneconomical. The building, operated by the DMC Hollington Trust, had housed facilities like a boxing gym and sports hall since the 1950s.
+What objections were raised against the development?
Nine objections were raised by nearby residents, who argued the proposed building was 'out of character' and too 'bulky' for the area. Despite these concerns, planning officers confirmed the proposals met design and layout standards after extensive scrutiny.
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