Lewisham Southwark College

This article has really annoyed me. S106 money was used to build the new cafe/hairdressers only a couple of years ago and that has now been demolished. Now, after put a huge LeSoCo sign on the front of the newly refurbished part of the building, they've changed the name. What a waste of public money.

I didn't know about the lighting

https://vine.co/v/OPBpEg7eU75

Residents in our block are really unhappy about the lights, as they shine into their bedrooms and living rooms. A bit more consideration from the college would be welcomed.

I have emailed the person in charge and ask that they be turned off when the college is finished for the day. I have also written to the planning department and asked them to identify which of the many documents explains this design feature. Anyway, give it a year and it will close down all together. I have a bet it will become an International school of some description.

Given that planning allowed super bright lights to go up on Isabella street without permission, I don't hold out much hope!

The lights are extremely close to Styles, aren't they? This new multi coloured, constantly changing and what's more, on two differently angled large blank walls, looks attractive to passers by, but you wouldn't expect to have a nightly free disco without music in your bedroom. With luck they're just testing them, hold on to that hope. Surely they had to have Planning Permission ?You may find it with a magnifier somewhere or other.

It's not the sort of college known to attract bright people, so perhaps they're trying to make up for that with bright lights?

No, I don't hold much hope either Zoe. I'm still in shock that LBS has said that EV don't need to put in a planning application to install bright strip lights on top of the wall on Isabella Street - even though it is not owned by EV. Nor do they seem to care that the light is lighting up peoples' bedrooms.

The lighting may not require planning permission, but can be classed as a nuisance.

There's guidance at http://archive.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/local/legislation/cnea/documents/statnuisance.pdf

Your first course of action would be to let the college know that the frequency and impact of the lighting is a nuisance to you. If they aren't willing to take action then the Environmental Health team at Southwark Council can advise you on how they can asses the nuisance and whether they will take action.

Thank you Truthmonkey. I have written to the on-site developers and awaiting a reply. I have also asked the officer in charge of the original planning application to point me in the direction of the document that described the facade just to see if it was on the planning application. We'll no doubt get something done eventually, but it is always a struggle getting the council to support residents; they always seem unwilling to upset businesses.