Out-Law News 1 min. read

Planning permission to be granted for London Bridge Station redevelopment


The London Borough of Southwark will grant planning permission for the redevelopment of London Bridge Station on the completion of a section 106 agreement. The design proposals put forward by Network Rail for the scheme have been agreed by Southwark’s planning committee.

Network Rail must now agree and complete a section 106 agreement with Southwark by the end of March to ensure that adequate mitigation is secured for the development. The application must also be agreed by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson, due to the size of the development.

The proposed redevelopment of London Bridge is part of the £6 billion 'Thameslink programme'. Plans include the development of a new rail platform; Britain's largest station concourse; new retail space, including a supermarket; a 65 metre tall office building which is to be located over the tracks; and a 14 storey office building on Tooley Street. New entrances to the station on Tooley Street and St Thomas Street are also planned.

“London Bridge is one of the busiest stations in the country and this investment is vital for passengers who want more space, less congestion and better services," said David Higgins, Network Rail's chief executive.

The requirement for the completion of a section 106 agreement by 30 March 2012 means that the development will not be subject to the Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is expected to come into effect in April 2012.  Mayoral CIL will be charged at £50 per square metre on all developments in central London.

During consultations on the scheme English Heritage objected to the demolition of 64 - 84 Tooley Street on the grounds that the building's demolition was not necessary in order to deliver the station improvements. The Greater London Authority (GLA) supported English Heritage's objection and further submitted that the transport assessment and access strategy were inadequate. Network Rail has, subsequently, worked with the objectors to agree appropriate measures.

“Our proposals will breathe life back into London’s oldest rail terminus and help build on the programme of regeneration along the South Bank and Bankside. It will provide a focal point for the local communities it serves as well as the tens of millions of passengers who use it every year," said Higgins.

The first phase of the Thameslink programme, which allows longer trains to use the Thameslink route, will be complete in time for the Olympics in 2012, Network Rail said.

Initial non-disruptive preparatory work is expected to start next year with the first major phase starting in 2013. The station will remain operational throughout the redevelopment and is expected to be completed in 2018.

We are processing your request. \n Thank you for your patience. An error occurred. This could be due to inactivity on the page - please try again.