Southwark council designates Peckham High Street a conservation area

Southwark planning committee agreed at a recent committee meeting that Rye Lane, Peckham Hill Street and Peckham High Street should all be incorporated into a conservation area.

The planning committee considered that the proposed areas are of special architectural or historic interest and support the designation of the Peckham Hill Street Conservation Area.

The committee agreed that the proposed conservation area should be protected because it reflects the remnants of a 19th century planned suburban development with a strong landscape element, which contrasts with the post-war housing immediately to the east, timber yard to the west and Peckham High Street to the south.

The conservation area is largely characterised by flat yellow-fronted stock brick houses, either in terraces or in semi-detached pairs which are unlike houses in neighbouring conservation areas. Although there is no predominant style or period of building, the committee resolved that the character of the proposed area is attributed to the eclectic architectural styles and materials.

The Council’s policies relating to conservation areas are reinforced by the London Plan 2011, which states that 'London’s heritage assets and historic environment, including listed buildings....[and] conservation areas should be identified, so that the desirability of sustaining and enhancing their significance and utilising their positive role in place shaping can be taken into account.’

The Peckham Society has been campaigning to protect the area’s architectural heritage and has worked alongside the council to draw up the proposals. All local businesses and residents were consulted on the plans, as required by Southwark's area action plan for renewal.

All consultation responses received were in support of the conservation area and many suggested adding further sites to the designation.