Residents have been wondering what is happening to this vacant site in Lillie Road next to the Fitness Centre.

Laurence O’Keeffe, the Council’s Team Leader (South Team), Development Management Planning and Development says:

“The site is listed as MacKenzie Trench House, 363 Lillie Road.

Planning committee resolved to grant permission for the demolition of existing buildings on the site and erection of a part 4/5 storey block of 30 flats (Class C3) comprising of 10 x 1 bed, 15 x 2 bed and 5 x 3 bed together with a basement car park for 15 cars in April 2015. This was subject to a legal agreement which was signed in August 2015.

A number of pre commencement conditions need to be discharged prior to the commencement of development.”

He adds:

“I have done a quick search and it appears that two applications to discharge conditions were submitted in January and February of this year. However, they did not contain correct information or fee so were never validated, despite officers contacting them.

“Other than the normal condition that commencement take place within three years of consent I am unable to tell you when it may start.”

What will it look like if it does eventually get built?  The planning application promises “contemporary flats set in an aesthetic suited to the present”. It will be “providing an exciting new element” this will mean “giving relief to the bland” to the neighbouring Victorian shops and terraced houses. Yes, yes – we are familiar with the planners/architect code: It will be hideous. All reflecting Labour’s planning policies which make ugliness a requirement for new development.