Southwark (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A bingo hall in Walworth, golf simulator venue, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Peckham are among the latest planning applications filed in Southwark.
Developers and residents expecting to have their plans approved soon submit dozens of fresh applications to Southwark‘s planning system every week.
Before a decision is made, residents can inspect or comment on the plans, which are filed and approved by Southwark Council.
Some of the more intriguing applications that have been filed to the planning system since July 1 have been listed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
There are plans to turn a Costa Coffee location on Walworth Road into a bingo hall. The address is 269-271 Walworth Road, which was formerly a part of the Costa Coffee franchise but has since closed, according to planning papers.
According to Clubhouse Peckham Limited’s proposals, one of the arches at Station Passage would be transformed into a virtual golf course where players might practice. Although one-time reservations are probably welcome, the venue would be membership based, per the planning documents. Additionally, the area would be available for lessons from nearby golf instructors.
In Denmark Hill, a former bank might soon be converted into a store.
After the NatWest bank branch closed at the end of September 2023, the building at 68 Denmark Hill has been unoccupied. Although a consultation is presently underway, little is known about the kind of store that could open on the property.
More railway arches, this time located on Bellenden Road, close to Peckham Rye station, could be turned into a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy.
Like the ones located near Queens Road Peckham station, these arches are currently used for storage purposes.
Roll Jiu-Jitsu Ltd, the applicant, said in a planning document:
“The proposed use supports health and wellbeing, delivers positive community benefit, and is appropriate for the commercial setting.
This type of use is well established in similar railway arch properties in the area, and the proposed change of use aligns with the local pattern of appropriate, low-impact commercial activity.”
How will the new bingo hall and Jiu-Jitsu academy impact local community activity?
Bingo halls serve as important social hubs where people of all ages can meet, socialize, and enjoy affordable entertainment. They help build community connections by offering a shared space for fun and social interaction.
Bingo offers a low-cost recreational activity that appeals to diverse groups, including both older adults and younger people looking for a night out. This mix fosters intergenerational engagement.
BJJ academies go beyond martial arts training to become tight-knit communities where members support and uplift each other, fostering inclusive and diverse social networks.