Unanimous approval for Galliard 48-storey tower

Southwark councillors have voted unanimously to approve Galliard and Aviva’s 48-storey tower at Cantium Retail Park on Old Kent Road, SE1. All eight councillors supported the plans at the committee meeting on 5 March, after it was recommended for approval last week. Development will see demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment of the site, with buildings from three to 48 storeys comprising 1,113 homes, 60,900 sq ft of offices and 24,000 sq ft of shops. The residential element proposes 35.5% affordable housing by habitable room, with 363 new affordable homes, of which 237 would be social rented and 126 shared ownership. The committee made two amendments to the application: for the standard three-year time limit for construction to begin to apply, in place of the requested five years, and for the inclusion of a late-stage affordable housing review to be secured by a legal agreement. Cantium Retail Park is currently occupied by B&Q, Pets at Home and Halfords across 66,500 sq ft of retail space. Halfords and Pets at Home have been re-provided space. B&Q has been offered an opportunity to take space, but has objected to the development. To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette