Since the planning applications for Project Crucible were submitted earlier this year, we have been listening carefully to the comments raised by our neighbours on the planning portal.
Having review those comments, and discussed the application with planning officers, the school has made some changes, which we explain below.
New Gym and temporary kitchen application
The application covering the New Gym extension and the temporary kitchen (reference 26/AP/0527) has been split into two separate applications, following a request from planning officers.
The New Gym works are permanent whereas, the temporary kitchen is, by definition, time-limited. Southwark Council asked that these be submitted separately to make it easier to assess and determine each element on their own merits. The school has agreed, and updated application packs have now been submitted accordingly, and will be registered on the portal shortly.
The New Gym proposals
The original application included works to the boundary hedgerow to the north of the New Gym, as well as a new path across the grass in that area. Following feedback, both elements have been removed from the proposal. The majority of the hedgerow and grass will be retained as they are maintaining the existing screening for neighbours. The existing paving around the New Gym will still be renewed, but the footprint of the works has otherwise been reduced.
In addition, although the noise assessments submitted with the application concluded the proposal did not need to provide additional mitigation, we will do so to address comments that have been raised. We are exceeding the planning requirements, and hope this allays some concerns that have been raised.
Changes to the temporary kitchen proposals
The temporary kitchen is needed to maintain catering for pupils and staff during the construction of the new dining hall, which is expected to be complete by 2028. The application now includes upgraded mechanical ventilation equipment, providing a higher level of filtration and odour control than the original design. As with the noise mitigation change, this is not a planning requirement, but it is a practical step taken in response to the concerns of our neighbours.
The application also clarifies the timeframe for which the temporary kitchen will operate, between 1 August 2026 and 31 October 2028. This will be secured through a planning condition as part of any consent granted, providing a firm end date for our neighbours.
Overall, the school recognises that construction of this scale has an impact on the surrounding neighbourhood, and we want to do what we can to mitigate that where we can and will continue to do so throughout the project.
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Last updated on 25 03 26 at 03:08
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