Policy information sourced from Lambeth Local Plan 2020-2035
Q26 Tall Buildings
The following definitions of building heights are defined for Lambeth:
| Low Rise | Mid Rise | Tall (this policy applies to these buildings) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Lambeth (south of the South Circular Road) | Up to 9m | Between 9m and 25m | Above 25m |
| Middle and north Lambeth (north of the South Circular Road) | Up to 15m | Between 15m and 45m | Above 45m |
A. Having particular regard to the international obligation to preserve the OUV of the Westminster World Heritage Site and taking into account the desirability of preserving the settings of heritage assets, proposals for tall buildings will be supported where they are in locations identified as appropriate for tall buildings in Annex 10 and where:
- i) will not adversely impact on strategic or local views;
- ii) design excellence is achieved (form, proportion, silhouette, detailing and materials etc.);
- iii) the proposal makes a positive contribution to public realm and townscape including at street level, whether individually or as part of a group;
- iv) where proposed near existing tall building groups, proposals should follow the established principles of group composition such as noticeable stepping down in height around cluster edges;
- v) the proposal adequately addresses the criteria in London Plan policy D9C in terms of acceptable visual, environmental and functional impacts including microclimate, wind turbulence, noise, daylight and sunlight, reflective glare, aviation (including the safeguarded zones around Heathrow Airport, London City Airport, Battersea Heliport and the helipad at Kings’ College Hospital), navigation and electronic communication or broadcast interference; and
- vi) it can be shown that the site can accommodate the uses and quantum of development proposed in terms of meeting acceptable standards of amenity, access, transport accessibility and servicing.
B. Outside the locations identified in Annex 10 or as identified in site allocations, there is no presumption in favour of tall building development. Should tall buildings be proposed outside the locations identified in Annex 10 or as identified in site allocations, the applicant will be required to provide a clear and convincing justification and demonstrate the appropriateness of the site for a tall building having regard to the impact on heritage assets, the form, proportion, composition, scale and character of the immediate buildings and the character of the local area (including urban grain and public realm/landscape features) and ensure points (a) (i) - (vi) are met. In addition:
- i) proposals for tall buildings will only be considered acceptable in established low rise residential neighbourhoods where they are part of a comprehensive scheme which integrates well with the locality.
C. Where existing tall buildings are identified (through CA appraisals, characterisations and other similar studies) as negative elements in strategic or local views, heritage setting or townscape terms etc., the council will encourage and support proposals which lessen the adverse impact though redevelopment, height reduction or re-cladding.
For more information please see the Local Plan