Planning application - new Underhill Rd residential development

[sunshine_m]

A planning application has been made for a new development on Underhill Road:

25/AP/1149|Demolition of existing single storey rear extension, erection of one storey upwards roof extension on existing building and the erection of two five storey rear extensions to create a U-shaped block to facilitate an additional 41 x 1 bed units. Internal reconfiguration works resulting in the loss of 3 x existing 1 bed units (net gain of 38 units), hard and soft landscaping, cycle and refuse storage, pedestrian and vehicular access, car parking and associated works.

https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=SUTHB9KBJUP00

Comments must be submitted by 23rd September 2025.

[Penguin68]

Is this the home for the blind and partially sighted at the south end of Underhill? 

[CPR Dave]

"2.2.1 The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has undertaken a comprehensive consultation process with its residents and stakeholders regarding the proposed development which aims to create 41 additional units and has been designed to address the growing demand for accessible and supportive accommodation for individuals with visual impairments.

2.2.2 The consultation process has been a key part of the planning phase, ensuring that the needs and preferences of current residents are taken into account. RNIB has held several meetings, workshops, and surveys to gather feedback on the design, facilities, and overall impact of the new development. Residents have been encouraged to share their views on various aspects, including accessibility features, communal spaces, and the integration of the new blocks with the existing infrastructure which has directly informed the proposals.

2.2.3 The Applicant also engaged with the local MP, Helen Hayes, and a couple of local councillors at the behest of RNIB tenants to provide new homes to promote independent living for its Blind and Partially Sighted residents"

 

 

Seems like a very sensible and necessary proposal to me.

[sunshine_m]

The address is: Bradbury Oak House, 4 Underhill Road, SE22 0AH

[CPR Dave]

It's RNBI accommodation apparently.

[Pugwash]

It is supported housing run by RNIB, None of the residents support the new build as some of them would be made homeless with no guarantee of being rehoused in suitable accommodation. The rebuild will be the destruction of a communal lounge and grounds. There is an oak tree in the grounds which is several hundred of years old and has a tree preservation order.

My husband's family used to live at this address and the grounds were gifted to the RNIB by his great aunt (Doctor Grace Batten) on the grounds that the tree is never cut down.

[Azalea]

29 minutes ago, Pugwash said:

It is supported housing run by RNIB, None of the residents support the new build as some of them would be made homeless with no guarantee of being rehoused in suitable accommodation. The rebuild will be the destruction of a communal lounge and grounds. There is an oak tree in the grounds which is several hundred of years old and has a tree preservation order.

My husband's family used to live at this address and the grounds were gifted to the RNIB by his great aunt (Doctor Grace Batten) on the grounds that the tree is never cut down.

Can you explain why some residents would be made homeless if they are building more accommodation?

[BeatrixPaddler]

The plans show that the large tree is to be retained. A couple of smaller trees will be taken down though.

[Pugwash]

Initially, when all the discussion took place at Bradbury some of existing building was to be demolished which meant that 3 flats would go but these residents would have to wait until new building erected to be housed. No indication has been given as to where people would be placed during building. I am glad that the tree is to remain - Bradbury residents contacted various environmental groups to lobby for tree to remain.

I gather that there is likely to be a question of restricted views to be made by Wood Vale residents as 5 stories is significantly higher than current building. 

[ArchieCarlos]

Hi,

I went to the council's planning portal to look at the application, and I encourage others to look at it. It looks like a pleasant building, with thoughtful landscaping. as Pugwash said, the big oak would be retained, only two smaller trees are supposed to be cut, one of which is already dead according to the Tree Survey.

It sounds like 38 people in great need of it will gain supported housing thanks to this development, a very positive change. Of course a solution has to be found for the 3 who will need to find other accommodation during the works, but that doesn't seem enough of a reason to oppose the development. The current building is 4 stories, so I would be surprised if one extra storey was considered objectionable, especially considering the big oak stands between the building and the neighbours' back gardens and the fact that the neighbours it's backing onto are all 5 stories houses themselves or only have blank walls facing the building.

In the context where affordable housing is sorely missing, a 100% supported housing development is great news. Personally I've never seen a less objectionable planning request

Edited September 10, 2025 by ArchieCarlos

[Pugwash]

From what I have gathered from Bradbury Oak residents  I have spoken with, that at a meeting with RNIB earlier in the year, none of the residents were in favour of new build. There is the implication that rent rises are anticipated to help towards building costs. Rent is currently in the region of £300 pw - as with most sheltered housing (council and Housing Association), Since these rents also include maintenance charges, utility charges - Housing Benefit is only applicable to the actual 'rent element' per flat.

[ConzernedResident]

Will be writing in support, seems great