New sports centre for Southwark

Cllr James Gurling, chair of Southwark's planning committee, said: "The current clubhouse is derelict and can't be used by any of our local young people and it's the same with the athletics track.

"If we want to encourage our kids to be active and healthy then we have to give them the facilities to achieve this.

"The Committee took a great deal of care in its decision and in response to local residents we limited the hours of operation and noise emissions.

"If Southwark is to exploit the legacy of the Olympics then facilities such as this will be vital."

Other items to be considered

A statue of Brunel at the approach to the Rotherhithe tunnel

The committee approved the application but said there might be more work to be done on the final design

Cllr Gurling said: "Brunel is a hugely significant figure in our local history and the efforts to highlight the work of this great man are very welcome. As a planning committee we have no leeway under the law to deny an application on its artistic merit alone, and personally I don't like the idea that local people should be told how to celebrate Brunel by national newspapers.

"The applicant informed us that the design was still evolving in response to feedback, and we were very pleased to hear that local children - as well as a successful local artist - are being involved throughout the scheme."

Student accommodation at 200 Great Dover Street

The Committee refused the application for various reasons including its scale, design and use of materials, and also because it doesn't fit in with the historical surroundings.

Cllr Gurling said: "The Committee was utterly underwhelmed by this application. We identified ten reasons for refusal - which is almost unprecedented."

Goose Green playground refurbishment

The committee approved the application from the council to install new timber play equipment, a play tower and a climbing wall.

Cllr Gurling said: "We were impressed by the extent of community support for this application, with one resident, Mr Tanner, staying until almost 11pm to encourage the Committee to support the improvements"

Change of use of industrial land from waste transfer to open storage at Cottage Green, Camberwell

The committee granted planning permission, as it will be used as storage for building materials such as scaffolding.

Lighting at Bridge 39 Clink Street

The committee approved the application for the installation of a steel mesh LED light feature attached to the underside of the bridge.

As well as the new sports centre, the existing track and field turf will be refurbished, and new cycle stands and a minibus drop off will be added. It will also be a specialist centre capable of accommodating disabled athletes and spectators.