Social club in Brockley may get revamp with extra housing built

By Grainne Cuffe Local Democracy Reporter

A social club in could be revamped if planning permission is granted this week. 

The proposed development would demolish the two-storey Brockley Social Club and replace it with a new venue, along with nine flats reaching five storeys. 

The club in Brockley Road, which has 211 members, is available for parties, social events, local community group meetings, and weddings.  

Planning officers expect the new facilities would increase full-time staff from six to nine members.  

The Brockley Society supports the plans, but some nearby residents raised objections, such as the lack of affordable housing on offer, concerns about increased noise, and loss of privacy.  

Developers only need to offer affordable housing in builds that include ten or more homes.  

“As such, the application proposal falls below the threshold for seeking affordable housing provision,” according to the report.  

The report includes recommendations, “which would need to be implemented in full”, to make sure noise levels would be acceptable.  

They include making sure noise levels do not go above a certain limit, keeping music at a ‘background’ noise level, and loudspeakers remaining fixed in a certain location.

Staff should be told to keep the entrance doors closed where possible, window glazing should be added, staff should remind visitors that they are in a residential area, and the outdoor terraces should not be used after 10.30pm.  

Any potential residents would be warned about the social club in advance.  

“However, the welcome pack cannot restrict a resident’s right to report noise disturbances as that is a statutory right,” according to the report.  

Objectors also said the size of the build would be “overbearing”. 

But the report states there are buildings of similar height nearby, and officers said that “the stepped design and inset top level would prevent the building from appearing overly dominant and visually overbearing”.  

Planning officers said the balconies will have a winter garden design – enclosed by glazing – so “there would not be any perceptible loss of privacy”.  

Local groups would be charged £10 to £20 per hour to rent the club, according to the report, while charities will be able to use it free of charge. 

Lewisham’s planning committee will decide on the application from developer Ravensgate on Thursday,  August 6.