ALBERT EMBANKMENT CONSERVATION AREA

DRAFT CONSERVATION AREA STATEMENT

London Borough of Lambeth January 2015

CONTENTS

Page

CONTEXT CONSERVATION AREA MAP 4

EXISTING CONSERVATION AREA MAP 5

INTRODUCTION 6 Consultation 7

1 PLANNING FRAMEWORK 8

2 CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL 10 Introduction 10 Geology and Landscape 10 Archaeology 10 Historic Development 10 City Context 13 Spatial Analysis 14 Open Spaces 19 Trees 22 Character Areas 22 Buildings Character and Materials 28 Boundary Treatments 29 Public Realm 29 Street Furniture 30 Public Art / Memorials 31 Signs and Advertisements 32 Activity and Uses 32 Listed Buildings 32 Buildings and structures that make a Positive 34 Contribution Buildings that make a Neutral Contribution 34 Buildings that make a Negative Contribution 35 Views 35 Capacity for Change 38 Appraisal Recommendations 38 Conservation Area Boundary 38

3. GUIDANCE 40 Alterations to Existing Properties 40 New Buildings 42 Pubfronts 43 Railway Arches 43 Signs and Advertisements 43 New Uses 45 Refuse Storage 45 Plant and Equipment 45

2 Boundary Treatments 45 Trees 45 Sustainability 46 Further Information 46

4. MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS 47 Planning Controls 47 Monitoring and Enforcement 47 Signs and Advertisements 47 Highways / Street works 47 Trees 48 Enhancement Opportunities 48 Management Conclusion 49

5. CONTACTS 50

6. SOURCES 52

APPENDIX 1 – STATUTORY LISTED BUILDINGS 54

APPENDIX 2 – PROPOSED CA BOUNDARY MAP 55

3 CONSERVATION AREA CONTEXT MAP

4

EXISTING CONSERVATION AREA BOUNDARY

5 INTRODUCTION

This draft Conservation Area Statement is prepared by the Council to assist with the management and enhancement of the Albert Embankment Conservation Area. It is hoped that it will be useful for residents, property managers and developers alike in understanding the objectives of the conservation area designation.

Lambeth has been designating conservation areas since 1969. The Albert Embankment Conservation Area was first designated on the 26 November 2001 in order to bring Lambeth’s remaining part of the River Thames along the Albert Embankment within a conservation area; the other parts of the Albert Embankment having already been designated within the South Bank and Lambeth Palace Conservation Areas.

The western half of the conservation area is occupied by the River Thames itself, including the shingle foreshore and mud-banks, the piers and bridges and Albert Embankment structure. The northern boundary is currently formed by Lambeth Bridge, the eastern boundary is formed either by the railway viaduct or by building frontages lining the Albert Embankment; and the south boundary is the boundary with the London Borough of Wandsworth.

At present the Albert Embankment Conservation Area designation does not cover the whole of the Albert Embankment – the section between Lambeth Bridge and Westminster Bridge is, at the time of writing, split between the Lambeth Palace and South Bank Conservation Areas. The anomalous boundaries of the current conservation area designations in this part of the borough comes about from the ad-hoc nature of designations over the years. The adjoining Lambeth Palace Conservation Area was designated in 1969 and the South Bank Conservation area in 1982; resulting in the carving up of the Embankment between three different conservation areas.

Similarly, the Vauxhall Gardens Estate Conservation Area; an Inter-war housing estate was designated in 2001, but includes Victorian industrial premises and pubs more suited to the Albert Embankment Conservation.

The draft Lambeth Palace Conservation Area Statement (2013) recommended that its section of the Albert Embankment (including St Thomas’ Hospital) would be best included within the Albert Embankment Conservation Area. The preparation of this Conservation Area Statement has taken the opportunity to further assess whether the other boundaries would benefit from rectification. The findings and recommendations are contained within and can be viewed on the Proposed Conservation Area Boundary Map in Appendix 2.

Extensions are proposed to the north and eastern conservation boundaries to incorporate the 19th century buildings currently located within the Vauxhall Gardens Estate Conservation Area: Glasshouse Walk, Vauxhall Walk, Worgan Street, Tinworth Street and Black Prince Road and the northern sections of River Thames and the Albert Embankment, Lambeth Bridge and

6 St Thomas’s hospital currently located in both the Lambeth Palace Conservation area and the South Bank Conservation Area. In addition to this it is proposed to include the railway viaduct from Vauxhall Cross to Old Paradise Street, the open space in front of the railway arches along Albert Embankment, Newport Street and Randall Road, including the landmark 20th century buildings fronting the river Camelford House, Tintagel House and Peninsula Heights which are not currently designated.

A similar exercise, and separate consultation, is being undertaken concurrently for the adjacent Vauxhall Conservation Area.

CONSULTATION

The Council is circulating this draft version of the document so that local residents, property owners / building managers and any other interested parties can comment on its content. All comments received will be given careful consideration and where appropriate amendments will be made prior to the adoption of a final version.

When adopted the Council and other parties will use this Conservation Area Statement to manage change in a positive manner and will help inform future action.

This draft document is out to consultation until 14 March 2016

Submissions should be made by e-mail:

[email protected]

or in writing to

Conservation and Urban Design team Phoenix House 10 Wandsworth Road LONDON SW8 2LL

All submissions will be considered in detail and amendments made where appropriate. The final version of this document will be made available to view on the Council’s website.

7 1. PLANNING FRAMEWORK

1.1 Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (the Act) requires all local authorities to identify ‘areas of special architectural of historic interest the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’ and designate them as Conservation Areas.

1.2 Conservation Area designation brings with it additional planning controls, control over demolition and the protection of trees. Section 72 of the Act places a duty on the Council and other decision makers to pay special attention in the exercise of planning functions to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of Conservation Areas. This includes exercising control over development proposals that are outside the Conservation Area but would affect its setting, or views into or out of the area.

1.3 The National Planning Policy Framework (2012) sets out the national planning policies for England and how they are expected to be applied. There are dedicated policies protecting the historic environment throughout the document in particular section 12. To maintain and manage change to heritage assets in a way that sustains and, where appropriate, enhances its significance.

1.4 The Regional Spatial Strategy for the Lambeth area is the London Plan adopted in July 2011. This document sets out an integrated social, economic and environmental framework for the future development of London over a time span of the next 15-20 years. It recognises the importance of conservation areas, listed buildings and World Heritage Sites in contributing to the quality of life of local communities and to London’s international status as a world class city. The London Plan identifies central Vauxhall, Albert Embankment and Waterloo as an Opportunity Area and states that The Mayor expects boroughs and others to use appropriate tools to manage the historic environment, including character appraisals and conservation plans. It recognises the importance of conservation areas, listed buildings and World Heritage Sites in contributing to the quality of life of local communities and to London’s international status as a world class city.

1.5 The London World Heritage Sites Guidance on Settings Supplementary Planning Guidance March 2012 sets out guidance on protecting the setting of the Westminster World Heritage Site and the fundamental contribution the setting makes to the appreciation of the site of outstanding universal value.

1.6 The Vauxhall Supplementary Planning Document (2013) builds upon the work carried out in the Mayor’s Vauxhall Nine Elms Opportunity Area Planning Framework (OAPF) and helps guide and inform redevelopment in the Vauxhall and Albert Embankment Area. This document recognises the importance of the historic environment and the opportunities it presents in delivering a new and better Vauxhall. .

8 1.7 The Waterloo Area Supplementary Planning Document (2009) builds upon the work carried out in the Mayor’s Waterloo Opportunity Framework (2007) and helps guide and inform redevelopment in the Waterloo Area. This document recognises the importance of the historic environment and the opportunities it presents in delivering a new and better Waterloo.

1.8 The Waterloo Area Supplementary Planning Document (2009) builds upon the work carried out in the Mayor’s Waterloo Opportunity Framework (2007) and helps guide and inform redevelopment in the Waterloo Area. This document recognises the importance of the historic environment and the opportunities it presents in delivering a new and better Waterloo.

1.9 The Lambeth Local Plan 2015 contains general policies relating to all aspects of planning in the borough including urban form, listed buildings, conservation areas and design as well as site-specific policies

Planning Control

1.10 Conservation area designation brings with it controls over the demolition of certain buildings and boundaries, limits the size of extensions, controls roof alterations and external cladding and limits the number and siting of satellite dishes. Trees are also protected.

9 2. CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

Introduction

2.1 This appraisal has been undertaken in accordance with the following guidance: Understanding Place, Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal and Management English Heritage (March 2011).

Geology and Landscape

2.2 The area is flat, being part of the great low lying plains of clay deposits formed by the River Thames in the London Basin. The flat marshland / flood plain Thames-side area has attracted human activity since ancient times; with river crossing points becoming the focus of activity.

Archaeology

2.3 There are no Scheduled Ancient Monuments or protected wrecks within the conservation area. However, due to the likelihood of significant archaeological remains surviving below ground level much of the conservation area is designated as an Archaeological Priority Area (APA A2 North Lambeth Prehistoric settlement, Roman settlement and boat, medieval riverside zone village centres and important houses, post-medieval settlement and early industrial development). The Thames foreshore has been recognised as having great archaeological potential due to the presence of waterlogged deposits surviving from all periods and the possibility of recovering and interpreting archaeo-environmental data contained within the sediments.

Historic Development

Early History 2.4 Before the 18th century the Lambeth bank of the Thames was predominantly marshland below the level of high tide. There is evidence of Neolithic habitation, and the river was the focus of Roman and Anglo Saxon activity with markets and possibly harbours along the riverbank. However, this has had little impact on the current urban form.

Development along the Thames Bank 2.5 Parts of the Thames Bank in Lambeth was lined with docks, wharfs and warehouses and there was an established settlement around St Mary’s Church at Lambeth Palace. As early as 1670 the Vauxhall Plate Glass Works were in operation, and there were established landing stages along the riverbank and potteries producing Delftware, majolica and stoneware. Rocque’s map of 1746 indicates a built-up fringe including houses which are likely to have housed boat-builders, fishermen or those employed in industries such as the soap and whiting works (used for whitewashing walls); wharves

10 and warehouses along the riverbank between Lambeth Palace and Nine Elms.

2.6 A gently sloping sandy beach at Lambeth proved ideal for boat-building and the keeping of boats and barges, soon associated industries such as oar, scull and pump makers grew up too. The area soon developed a reputation for its cramped and unsanitary housing, exacerbated by the concentration of sewage outfalls discharged directly on to the open beach, and the noxious fumes produced by its industries such as the soap works.

2.7 As early as 1664 a proposal was made for the building of a bridge between Westminster and Lambeth, but it had to be dropped because of the opposition of the watermen who ran the ferries. It was not until 1736 that an Act of Parliament was passed, authorising the building of a bridge. It also provided for the payment of compensation to the Archbishop and his lessees in respect of lost business for the horse ferry. By this time the area outside Lambeth Palace was a long established community of streets and houses, works and barge houses of a rich vernacular character. The royal barge was kept here during this period.

18th and 19th Centuries 2.8 The Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, established following the Restoration of 1660, were at the height of their popularity in the 18th century as a place of entertainment for Londoners. Until the opening of Westminster Bridge in 1750 the only means of access to the gardens was from the river.

2.9 From the 1750s the wider area slowly began to develop as an extension of the city and gradually the remaining open land; known as Lambeth Marsh, was drained and developed. The local road names Upper Marsh and Lower Marsh are a reminder of this time.

2.10 The area underwent rapid development following the opening of the first Vauxhall Bridge in 1816 (the initial architect being the prolific Georgian bridge building Sir John Rennie, who also designed London Bridge and Waterloo Bridge).

2.11 The riverside area was effectively divorced from the hinterland of Kennington and the rest of Vauxhall / Waterloo in 1848 by the extension of the London & South Western Railway from its initial terminus at Nine Elms into Waterloo; on one of the longest viaducts in the country - a series of 290 arches. Over 700 houses were lost to make way for the railway and some 80 million bricks were used to construct the viaduct - the railway company incorporated six bridges to allow local roads to remain open and not to sever the riverside with its hinterland completely. The viaduct arches soon attracted new commercial and industrial uses. The viaduct remains a defining feature of the area today.

2.12 By the 1860’s a dense concentration of industries had developed including the South London soap works on Princes Street, Henry Millichamp

11 glazed stoneware and Alfred Hunt's soap works. All of these properties, along with Princes Street and Lower and Upper Fore Streets were to be swept away by the end of this decade to make way for the Albert Embankment which was named in memory of Prince Albert who died in 1861.

2.13 The construction of the Albert Embankment between 1866 and 1870 transformed this bank of the Thames. It was designed as a retaining wall to prevent the flooding of low-lying areas of Waterloo, Vauxhall and Kennington which occurred whenever there was an exceptionally high tide. Its construction also assisted the Metropolitan Board of Works in providing a main drainage system for the capital. The massive construction project was led by Sir Joseph Bazalgette, who was also responsible for the creation of London's mid 19th century sewage system including the pumping stations of Crossness and Abbey Mills.

2.14 The old courts, alleys, boat building yards and timber yards along Upper Fore Street which formed the nucleus of the original riverside elements of the village of Lambeth were demolished in order to accommodate the construction of Albert Embankment. It essentially facilitated a comprehensive redevelopment of the riverside and thirty-seven acres of riverside marsh were reclaimed for new building. The cleared site between Lambeth Bridge and Westminster Bridge (rebuilt 1862), previously known as Stangate, was chosen for the relocation of St Thomas’ Hospital, which had been founded early in the 12th century near London Bridge.

2.15 The Albert Embankment between the Lambeth and Westminster bridges was particularly welcomed by MPs who were anxious to improve the view from the recently completed Palace of Westminster, and to eradicate the stinking mud-banks which were a blight on their amenity. St Thomas’ Hospital became a dignified architectural response to the Palace of Westminster which could be admired from the new Riverside Walk.

2.16 At the same time a new road, Lambeth Palace Road (on the site of Stangate and Bishop's Walk), was laid out; running parallel to the Thames from Lambeth Bridge to Westminster Bridge Road. Church Street was formally renamed Lambeth Road in 1876.

2.17 The stretch of new embankment between Vauxhall Bridge and Lambeth Bridge attracted new industry in purpose-built premises. The Ordnance Survey map of 1875 shows a Gin and Vinegar Distillery, a coal wharf and the London Pottery Works. By 1894 the Ordnance Survey records show the presence of a Flour Mill, an India Rubber works and a Soap works. By the 1890s trams were routed down the Albert Embankment further improving communications to central London and South West London. The wider district was filled with terraced housing, factories, public houses and associated development.

Early 20th Century 2.18 The rebuilt Vauxhall Bridge opened in 1906. In 1910, the deterioration of the original Lambeth Bridge meant that it had to be closed to vehicular

12 traffic. Rebuilding was delayed by the First World War, but in 1924 the London County Council obtained parliamentary powers to construct a new bridge and to widen and raise the approaches at either end. The new bridge, flanked with impressive obelisks, was completed and opened in 1932.

2.19 Following the opening of Lambeth Bridge, the 19th century industrial and river-based activities between Vauxhall Bridge and Lambeth Bridge began to be supplanted by new office and commercial development. WH Smith led the way in 1933 with a distinctive office building crowned by a clock- tower, followed by the Head Offices of Doulton in 1938 by TP Bennett, (its coloured ceramic frieze by Giles Bayes is on display in the Victoria & Albert Museum). These buildings were regrettably demolished in 1980 but their neighbour, the former London Fire Bridge HQ buildings of 1937 remains as a riverside landmark.

War Damage, Post-war Reconstruction and Redevelopment 2.20 The area suffered heavy bombing raids aimed at the concentration of industry and the mainline railway. Enemy action caused a great deal of damage - much of the northern part of St Thomas’ Hospital was destroyed. It was subsequently redeveloped after the war in large white-tiled blocks which are presently within the South Bank Conservation Area.

2.21 It was not until the mid 1950s that reconstruction / new development resumed following the lifting of post-war restrictions on building licences. The post-war office buildings between Vauxhall Bridge and Lambeth Bridge were considered to be of little architectural or townscape merit and were not included within the conservation area. Peninsula Heights has been over-clad and converted to flats, Tintagel House and Camelford House, survive and are of some note; both were designed by TP Bennett in the late 1950s and built in 1960; the others have now all largely been demolished and are in the process of being redeveloped and replaced with residential towers. The Vauxhall Cross Building (MI6 Headquarters), built between 1989 and 1992, is a landmark building standing at a gateway into the borough.

Recent Years 2.22 Vauxhall is identified as an Opportunity Area and earmarked for substantial growth. The primary uses in the area are healthcare and commercial blocks with residential uses characterising the area beyond the conservation area boundary. The materials palette chosen for the majority of the new residential buildings is a light one, of similar effect to Portland Stone and the architecture is generally calm and understated, a sympathetic response to the wider city.

City Context

2.23 The conservation area is a very important part of, and a positive contributor to, the character of the River Thames in central London. It is highly visible from the river, across the river from the north, from the west and south. The proximity of the conservation area to the Westminster World

13 Heritage Site, numerous listed buildings and conservation areas such as Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square Conservation Area, Smith Square Conservation Area, Millbank Conservation Area, Southbank Conservation Area, Lambeth Palace Conservation Area and Vauxhall Gardens Estate Conservation Area) gives Albert Embankment even more importance with regards to its contribution to the setting and appreciation of London’s heritage assets along the River Thames.

Spatial Analysis

2.24 This section looks at the area in detail; seeking to identify the character of its constituent parts. The first section, looking at Albert Embankment itself, starts at the north and works southward; the remaining parts are dealt with alphabetically by street,

Albert Embankment from Westminster Bridge to Lambeth Bridge 2.25 This section of the Albert Embankment is pedestrian in character and is a southward continuation of the Queen’s Walk which joins from an underpass below Westminster Bridge.

2.26 The embankment walk here runs adjacent to St Thomas’ Hospital and for most of its length has an impressive, well-detailed Portland stone wall with tree screen behind, which forms the boundary between the two. It has an iron gate in an ornamental Portland stone surround at the Westminster Bridge end.

2.27 The Albert Embankment path is of particular note. The original finish remains; a York stone paving with dressed stone gulleys. Ornamental cast iron benches are raised on granite plinths and the Embankment retaining wall is of fine dressed granite walling carrying ornamental historic cast iron ‘Sturgeon’ lamps. ‘Albert Embankment’ is inscribed on the parapet at the north end.

2.28 On the footway between Westminster Bridge and St Thomas’ Hospital there is also a pedestrian subway (now shut off) enclosed by good decorative railings. Westminster Bridge is a node of activity with its busy footfall, souvenir kiosk and a flight of broad steps linking with the Embankment. These afford views into the hospital’s landscaped garden (Landscape Architects: York, Rosenberg, Mardall) with its striking fountain.

2.29 The Hospital complex is on high ground and dominates the east side of the walk whilst on the west there are exceptional views of the Palace of Westminster.

2.30 At the south end of the Embankment a second node of activity can be found at Lambeth Pier adjoining Lambeth Bridge. Here the walk opens onto an open landscaped area with raised lawns and trees. The pier has a café, with Lambeth Palace as the backdrop. The Riverside Walk continues through a subway beneath Lambeth Bridge.

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2.31 The area from Westminster Bridge to Lambeth Bridge is currently outside the conservation area boundary.

Albert Embankment from Lambeth Bridge to Albert Embankment Gardens 2.32 Along this section the carriageway runs along the embankment edge and the Riverside Walk is on a conventional pavement. Buildings with addresses on Albert Embankment form the backdrop to the east and the Embankment parapet defines the western edge.

2.33 The footways are paved in York stone flags and furnished with ornate benches elevated on granite plinths to afford better views over the parapet. The pedestrian realm is spacious and lined with trees, some mature and others recently planted to create a ‘boulevard’ character.

2.34 The embankment wall is detailed as that north of Lambeth Bridge. The former London Fire Bridge Headquarters building (No. 8) is an important landmark at this point; an imposing inter-war building with a symmetrical façade, a HQ character and fine carved detailing. A gap to its north gives views to a tower in the drill yard at the rear. Black Prince Road to its South allows a glimpse of the ornate terracotta and brick façade of the former Doulton works offices.

2.35 Directly in front of the former Fire Brigade Headquarters is a pier which serves as the London Fire Brigade River Station; it has been in place since the 1930s but its buildings are modern. Further to the south is a permanently moored 1930’s Dutch Barge the Tamesis Dock which is run as a bar. Highly decorated with lights and bright colours, it is a node of activity in an otherwise quiet length of the Embankment.

2.36 Nos. 9-11 Albert Embankment are set back further than other buildings in the frontage in order to accommodate the narrow White Hart Dock which originally served the extensive Lambeth and Salamanca soap works. The dock is enclosed by high brick walls with flood gates to the junction with Salamanca Street.

2.37 Albert Embankment Gardens East and West add welcome greenery here.

2.38 At the junction with Tinworth Street are the only surviving buildings on the Albert Embankment that date from the 19th century - The Rose Public House, a corner pub and Vintage House, a former warehouse; these form an attractive pair. Albert Embankment roadway continues southward but at this point it is now inland of the river proper. Here the railway viaduct arches are open to public view and fronted by a long belt of soft landscaping (with mature trees) all the way south to Vauxhall Station. This is the point at which the railway viaduct is most visible and its barrier role is most noticeable. The arches and landscaping are currently outside the conservation area.

15 Peninsular Heights, Tintagel House and Camelford House 2.39 This group of buildings separate the riverside walk from the roadway south of Albert Embankment Gardens West all the way to Lack Dock’s slipway to the south.

2.40 Peninsula Heights, formerly a 1960s office block, has been converted to residential use and over-clad. It has a compact appearance and a prominent situation; especially from the north.

2.41 The riverside walkway narrows at Peninsula Heights, which partly overhangs at this point; uncomfortably close to the southern most ‘Sturgeon’ lamps. The footway itself feels narrower and less attractive because of the enclosure of Peninsula Heights and a restricted opening in party boundary with Tintagel House, but benefits from the openness of the lawn around Tintagel House; it then passes under Camelford House.

2.42 From here south, the character changes. The historic Embankment retaining walls and lamps cease and the parapet is enclosed by a poorly constructed concrete topped-brick retaining wall.

2.43 Tintage House and Camelford House are a complementary pair of post-war offices in brick and Portland stone; large buildings, very carefully detailed to good effect. However, the spaces around them are poorly maintained. Unattractive railings, untidy servicing areas, car parking, cycle stores and bike parking areas create visual clutter and detract from the buildings and cause harm to the character and appearance of the area. They blight what is otherwise a pleasant riverside route.

Lack’s Dock, Vauxhall Cross Building (M16 HQ) and Vauxhall Bridge 2.44 The historic dock originally formed part of a site known as Vauxhall Stairs, wharfage serving flour mills, gin and vinegar distilleries. The name is now associated with a slipway which provides vehicular and pedestrian access to the shore; accessed by a roadway south of Camelford House. It is one of the few central Thames slipways and is a particularly noteworthy feature of the riverside because of the access it provides. The access road area isn’t particularly well maintained; a security barrier, kiosk, smoking shelters and bike stores in the grounds of Camelford House cause much visual clutter at this point. The slipway is largely now used by Amphibious vehicle tours as a means to access to the river.

2.45 The Vauxhall Cross Building (M16 Headquarters) is an impressive monumental post-modern building which sits to the north of Vauxhall Bridge. Its imposing symmetrical bulk is broken down with a series of interlocking terraces. The proximity to Vauxhall Bridge makes the building a striking landmark at the gateway into Lambeth from the City of Westminster. The Vauxhall Cross building has a short landscaped riverside esplanade of complementary architectural character. The corresponding but much less successful form of the St George Wharf development to the south side of the bridge attempts to mimic this effect.

16 2.46 A pedestrian subway leads south from this esplanade beneath Vauxhall Bridge to connect with the riverside walkways at St George Wharf which are currently outside the conservation area.

2.47 Vauxhall Bridge was rebuilt in 1906 on the site of the Regent's Bridge (completed 1816) and was the first iron bridge to span the Thames; it is Grade II* listed. Vauxhall Bridge comprises of five arches on granite piers with eight monumental bronze figures representing; Pottery, Engineering, Architecture, Agriculture, Science, Fine Arts, Local Government and Education; it is the only British river crossing to contain sculptures. It provides a gateway into Lambeth; its access road Bridge Foot terminates opposite the viaduct outside Vauxhall Station.

St George Wharf to the Borough Boundary 2.48 The St George Wharf buildings are not altogether successful architecturally and are not considered worthy of inclusion within the conservation area. However, the riverside walk here is an important contributor to the river frontage. Information panels along the river provide a history of the area. The St George Wharf pier serves passenger boat services; adding welcome activity to the river at this point. The Riverside Walk continues southward across the borough boundary into the London Borough of Wandsworth.

Black Prince Road 2.49 The section of road to the west side of the railway viaduct is currently within the Vauxhall Gardens Estate conservation area. It is flanked to the north by the imposing brickwork façade of Southbank House and to the south by modern development which is outside the conservation area. Within the viaduct decorative tile panels depict the Black Prince the 14th century Prince of Wales who owned the Manor of Kennington and the Doulton wares that were produced in the area.

2.50 To the east side of the viaduct, currently outside the conservation area is a parade of shops and flats which include three Victorian public houses and the nearby remnant of the original Ragged School fronting Newport Street. They have an informal urban character, sharing a brick palette and similar building heights. There is a strong visual connection west towards Southbank House. Given this loose group comprises are 19th century survivors, it is considered that their inclusion within the Albert Embankment Conservation area is more appropriate than their inclusion within the Vauxhall Gardens Estate Conservation which is a conservation area characterised by 1930’s London County Council housing estate.

Bridge Foot 2.51 This is the approach road linking Vauxhall Bridge to Albert Embankment and Wandsworth Road. It runs along the south side of the Vauxhall Cross building and has a spacious character with views out of the conservation area to Vauxhall Station and its ornamental brick viaduct parapet.

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Glasshouse Walk / Tinworth Street / Vauxhall Walk / Viaduct 2.52 The section of Tinworth Street to the west side of the railway viaduct is currently within the Vauxhall Gardens Estate conservation area. The south side, is the flank elevation of The Rose Public House. The viaduct arch on this side is emblazoned by the polished metal lettering spelling SPRING GARDENS and sculptural birds; adding visual interest.

2.53 To the east side of the viaduct the urban block formed by Tinworth Street to the north, Vauxhall Walk to the East, Glasshouse Walk to the South and the viaduct to the West has a strong industrial / 19th century character. The 19th century buildings include a community centre adjoining the viaduct on Glasshouse Walk, the Black Dog Public House adjoining mansion block on Vauxhall Walk and the former retort house by the viaduct on TInworth Street. New development (student housing and a hotel) have been successfully designed in the ‘new London vernacular’ style to reinforce the established character.

Lambeth High Street / Whitgift Street 2.54 This narrow and quiet historic route runs north to south between and parallel with Albert Embankment and the railway viaduct. Whilst historic there are few buildings of interest. The Paradise Gardens (formerly known as Lambeth High Street Recreation Ground) are being considered for inclusion within the Lambeth Palace Conservation Area. The Windmill Public House is a 19th century building of note – situated by the fire HQ tower. At the south end, the high street cuts through the middle of the former Fire Brigade HQ site. To the west is the drill yard, its tower and the rear of HQ building with its tiers of terraces. To the east, and running along the south side of Whitgift Street, is the former Fire Brigade training school and workshops block which are detailed and designed as part of the whole complex. The character here is of inter-war modernism; a unified architectural composition of Fire Brigade Buildings focused around the space formed by the roadway and the drill ground.

2.55 At the south end of Lambeth High Street, where it meets Black Prince Road, Southbank House (the surviving part of the former Doulton Ceramic Works) is an attractive landmark constructed in red brick with clay tiles. It is highly visible in views south down the street. Its corner frontage at the junction with Black Prince Road is adorned with ornate architectural ceramics to excellent effect.

2.56 From this corner, looking west across the river the view is terminated by the imposing classical façade of Thames House, Millbank (1929).

Lambeth Palace Road 2.57 Running north to south, this road sweeps along the curved brick boundary of Lambeth Palace’s garden on its east side. It joins Westminster Bridge Road to the north with Lambeth Road / Lambeth Bridge. In the 1960s the road was redirected on a new curved alignment to the east to remove through traffic from the hospital precinct. A small fragment of the original wall

18 can still be found on the St. Thomas’ Hospital side by St Thomas’ House. The mature planting, trees and shrubs of the Lambeth Palace gardens overhang the wall to great effect and provide a leafy setting. 2.58 The west side of Lambeth Palace Road is enclosed by St Thomas’ Hospital and the former King’s College Medical School to its south. The School has a landmark campanile and fronts the road with a high brick boundary wall of strong Victorian industrial character. There is also a short length of historic cast iron railings; the only survivor from war-time salvage. The hospital largely presents secondary elevations to the remaining section of the Lambeth Palace Road - Evelina Hospital and St Thomas House.

Randall Road / Newport Street 2.59 These roads are located on the east side of the railway viaduct and run alongside it. They are currently outside the conservation area; with the exception of the former Ragged school and the adjoining open space which is currently in the Vauxhall Gardens Estate Conservation Area. It is the coming together of the brick viaduct structure and these roadways that is of notable townscape interest; some of the last remaining places of strong 19th century industrial character in the locality. The Salamanca Street arch through the viaduct is part of this character. On the east side of Newport Street former industrial building (Nos. 1-7) now house the Damien Hirst Gallery . This group reinforces and continues this 19th century industrial character.

Vauxhall Walk / Jonathan Street / Worgan Street 2.60 This is an urban block of mostly 19th century former commercial / industrial premises which front Vauxhall Walk and is currently located within the Vauxhall Gardens Estate Conservation Area. They have a strong character enhanced by the narrow width of Vauxhall Walk itself. Here Graphite Square is entered by an archway which contains a War Memorial to employees of the Myer Bed Factory which formerly occupied the premises. The proximity of the Black Dog Public House and adjoining mansion block reinforce the 19th century character of this group. The new hotel is a sympathetic addition to the townscape.

Westminster Bridge Road 2.61 This forms the northern boundary to the St Thomas’s Hospital Campus and is currently located within the South Bank Conservation Area. Just east of the Westminster Bridge is a subway (now closed) with steps and ornate Victorian railings; these are part of the historic boundary of St Thomas’ Hospital.

Open Spaces Noteworthy open spaces are described from north to south:

River Thames 2.62 The River Thames and the Riverside Walk give much of the conservation area a spacious and open character. Following the completion

19 in 2014 of the St George Wharf tower, the river can be appreciated from a continuous riverside walk through Lambeth.

2.63 This stretch of the Thames runs north to south and is tidal which adds much to the intrinsic character of the conservation area. At low tide there are substantial areas of exposed mud flats or shingle bank (up to 80 meters in length and 40 meters wide). These banks support important ecology and archaeology.

St Thomas’ Hospital Grounds 2.64 The historic garden spaces laid out between the ward blocks have all, been infilled by later development. However, the western boundary is publicly accessible and tree lined; affording excellent views west of the Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster) World Heritage Site. The post-war hospital was designed with basement parking and plant areas that are of little interest and, where visible from the road on the east side have a negative impact. Pedestrian movement is segregated above on broad walkways. The main entrance off Westminster Bridge Road has a large open garden which creates a welcome open area affording great views to the north and west. Public sculpture and a modern fountain add interest. A row of low-level trees screen the garden from Westminster Bridge and provide welcome mature planting. It is best appreciated from Westminster Bridge and the access steps leading south onto the Queen’s Walk. The site generally is perceived as semi-private and as a result the garden is not readily used by the public.

Albert Embankment Gardens at Lambeth Pier 2.65 This is a public space of raised lawn, beds and trees just north of Lambeth Bridge. A memorial to war hero Violette Szabo provides a focal point; the Lambeth Pier café brings activity.

White Hart Dock 2.66 This is not an open space in the formal sense, more a point in the street where the opportunity has been made to design a place for sitting at this inland dock constructed in 1868 to maintain access to the river after the construction of the Albert Embankment. Behind the dock walls is a slipway where the water level in the dock rises and falls with the river tide. The brickwork facing West retains a painted sign from the Second World War with the letters EWS which indicates that the dock was an Emergency Water Supply. The dock character has been reinforced using timber structures and boat shaped seating although some of these are not weathering well. Two information panels provide a history of the dock.

Albert Embankment Gardens (East) 2.67 This wedge of greenery sits to the immediate south of White Hart Dock and separates the slip road (a continuation of Salamanca Street) from the roadway along Albert Embankment. It is dominated by the Park Plaza Hotel,

20 which spans over Salamanca Street to meet it; and comprises of two small areas of lawn and a larger area of timber decking with seating provided for the use of hotel guests.

Albert Embankment Gardens (West) 2.68 This green space fills the triangle of land created between the river and the roadway as it heads inland, opposite the junction with Tinworth Street. It is laid to lawn with mature trees and is enclosed to one side by the Peninsula Heights building which stands to its immediate south.

Albert Embankment open space (from the Texaco Garage to opposite the Vauxhall Cross Building) 2.69 Created by building clearances in the 1970s and 1980s, this linear grassed open space and mature trees softens this hard, traffic dominated environment and exposes a long section of railway viaduct to view. At its southern end the soft landscaping becomes patchy and dominated by unattractive paved forecourts serving bars and clubs.

St George Wharf public spaces 2.70 The riverside gardens, with their raised beds and ornamental trees are particularly attractive but currently stand outside the conservation area.

Vauxhall Cross Building Esplanade 2.71 This space is designed to complement the MI6 building. It pushes forward of the established embankment line; a pergola at its north end provides views north up the river. Stone paving, feature pools with fountains and seating areas are attractive amenities; and trees provide shade. However, in parts the uneven stone paving and tarmac repairs gives this area an untidy appearance. The accompanying riverside embankment wall is also in post-modern/art deco style with railings and statement lamp standards on an ornamental wall which is decorated with distinctive stone lion heads masks.

Drill Yard of former London Fire Brigade HQ 2.72 This hard surfaced yard is of townscape and historical significance. It was designed as an open, multi-functional space for day-to-day fire brigade activities and for weekly public drills and passing-out parades. Before the erection of the boundary wall it extended to include Lambeth High Street and the forecourt for the former trainings school / workshops. The ornamental façade of the workshops and the tiered terraces at the rear of the headquarters building were designed to address and define this space. The space allows views from Lambeth High Street to the rear of the HQ building and to the drill tower. The open integrity of the space; is key to the London Fire Brigade site and the conservation area beyond. The 1980s control building encroaches on the integrity of the space and partly obscures the rear of the building.

21

Trees

2.73 Trees contribute much to the amenity and character of the Albert Embankment generally. The roadway along the embankment from Peninsular Heights to Lambeth Bridge is lined with trees, some mature and others recently planted to further green this heavily trafficked thoroughfare and create a boulevard character.

2.74 An Evegreen Holm Oak Millennium Tree is located at Lambeth Pier.

Character Areas

2.75 The area is characterised by a number of distinct characteristics. These are:

A. River Thames and Albert Embankment

B. St Thomas’ Hospital Campus

C. 19th century Industrial / Commercial Development

D. 19th century Public Houses

E. Landmark 20th century buildings

These are each discussed in detail below:

A. River Thames and Albert Embankment 2.76 This north to south section of the River Thames is straight, broad and defined at each end by a listed bridge (Grade II* listed Westminster Bridge to the north and Grade II* listed Vauxhall bridge to the South) and crossed in the middle by Lambeth Bridge (Grade II listed). All three bridges are beautifully detailed and constructed to be ornaments on the river. The tidal character of the Thames, its piers and moorings are important elements and the river itself, with greater river bus services, is now becoming a place from which to view the embankment retaining walls, landmark buildings and heritage lining its banks. Views from the river, its bridges, the embankments are equally important.

B. St Thomas’ Hospital Campus 2.77 The hospital was designed by Henry Currey with advice from Florence Nightingale, who is commemorated by an internal statue. The complex, with its pavilion wings to maximise the river prospect, has an Italianate character. Originally it had an impressive symmetrical composition and gardens between the pavilions, but these have been lost to subsequent alterations and the northern section having been destroyed by enemy action during the Second

22 World War. The southern three pavilions and the later chapel and Governor’s Hall remain. 2.78 At the south end the former Medical School built in 1868-71 is of similar architectural character and has a fine campanile. Its southern most part is limited to single storey height by a covenant in order to preserve views between Lambeth Palace and the Palace of Westminster.

2.79 St Thomas’s House for medical students, was erected in 1925 to the east side of Lambeth Palace Road of St Thomas Hospital. It was designed by Harold Wynne Currey and built as the Students’ War Memorial Building and commemorates those from the hospital who gave their lives in the First World War. Road re-alignment in the 1960s means it is now on the west side of Lambeth Palace Road, just south of the Evelina Childrens’ Hospital.

2.80 The post-war development to the north end of the campus, the white tiled blocks Gassiot House, Lambeth Wing, North Wing and the tower block (East Wing) are a successful composition of unified buildings although the parking bays and service yards to Lambeth Palace Road are untidy.

2.81 There is much scope for the removal of intrusive 20th century alterations – especially the poor quality structures built on the garden courtyards between the ward wings.

2.82 The Evelina Children’s Hospital is a large building on the west side of Lambeth Palace Road, although an architectural award winner its large bulk is problematic when viewed from the gardens of Lambeth Palace.

2.83 Prideaux Building a single storey red brick structure built in 1976-8 and single storey extensions to the former Medical School are mostly hidden behind the boundary wall.

C. 19th Century Industrial / Commercial Development 2.84 The railway viaduct has had a significant role in defining this part of the borough, severing the riverside from the areas inland. In many places the viaduct is screened by buildings but in other places it is open to public view and is a definitive feature along stretches of Albert Embankment, Randall Street and Newport Street. The stock brick construction, grey brick detailing, arched spans and associated detailing give it a robust and industrial character; so to do its uses and the regular rumble of passing trains (one of the busiest rail routes in the country). The viaduct spans a number of historic routes in metal bridges and these too, because of the breadth of the viaduct, have a strong industrial character.

2.85 Albert Embankment - Vintage House, Nos. 36-37 is a mid-late 19th century warehouse; the last remaining reminder of the once bustling industrial and warehousing character of the area. The six-bays of this four-storey edifice are divided by expressed piers. The window bays terminate with pointed segmental arches with painted keystones and a prominent painted cornice

23 and parapet which conceals the roof. A traditional gas lamp is attached to one of the left hand piers at 1st floor level.

2.86 Black Prince Road –Southbank House (former Royal Doulton building, 1878), dominates the northern side to the west of the viaduct. In red brick with decorative detailing and regular openings. Its corner offices are of particular note for their striking detailing; especially the blue glazed ceramics and a tympanum relief of craftsmen.

2.87 Glasshouse Walk – the former industrial building at No. 5 (now a community centre) is of note. It has a door case to the front, an oriel window to the east flank side and lettering in ornamental brickwork at high level facing the railway. 2.88 Vauxhall Walk - retains a group of characterful commercial / industrial buildings of the “Surrey Ironworks Horatio Myer & Co. Ltd. Bedstead Manufacturers” at Nos. 83-97. Its unusual mosaic fascia is of particular note. The Walker’s Books premises immediately adjoining is a building of similar architectural character – brickwork with banding, repetitive regular detailing and cornice line. The 20th century buildings to the north and east are of little interest but complement the general character 2.89 Newport Street – Nos. 1- 7 former Mara's Scene Painting Shop Carpentry workshop and scenery shop; built in 1913. Only 4 early theatrical painting workshops are known to exist. Its sympathetic new extensions and the railway viaduct opposite have group value.

D. 19th Century Public Houses and miscellaneous buildings 2.90 These mostly corner pubs developed to serve the terraces of housing and factories that once densely packed this neighbourhood. The housing has all been comprehensively redeveloped and the factories have gone but the pubs remain. The pubs share common characteristic of age, form and siting yet all have their own unique architectural character.

The Rose Public House, No. 35 Albert Embankment 2.91 Mid-late 19th century purpose-built corner public house in an Italianate style. It comprises of four-storeys, three-bays to Albert Embankment and six- bays to Tinworth Street. The pub frontage has glazed tiles, original joinery and ornamental capitals. Ornamental ironwork decorates the shop fascia and the window ledges on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Rusticated quoins. Inappropriate uPVC windows on upper floors degrade its appearance.

2.92 The three pubs on Black Prince Road have special interest / group value for their close proximity reflecting the unusual clustering of public houses in the locality in the 19th century.

The Queen’s Head, Black Prince Road 2.93 A late 19th century corner pub with interesting detail. This pub has first

24 floor and second floor gables projecting from the roof. Its large chimneys, prominent classical gable to the corner, and oriel window refer to the Tudorbethan style. Other windows are of six over one lights in timber sashes. The original ground floor facade survives.

The Jolly Gardeners, Black Prince Road

th 2.94 A fine late 19 century florid corner pub, is built on three floors. The ground floor has seven fluted Corinthian pilasters framing an original wooden shopfront. Above the window arches are decorated with floral patterns. There is a fine bas relief plaque at first floor level on the comer. Stone banding in six layers under an ornate cornice breaks up the façade. There is also use of stone mullions to the windows.

The Windmill Public House, Lambeth High Street 2.95 Dating from 1886 this purpose built public house is three-storeys with an unusually canted façade to accommodate an historic sweep of the street. It is five bays with a ceramic tiled pub front with pilasters supporting a modest fascia. The upper floors are of stock brick with 1/1 timber sash windows. The render walls within the modern mansard addition have not been successful.

Black Dog, Vauxhall Walk 2.96 Rebuilt in the1860’s but on the site of an earlier public house. This red brick four storey corner pub on the corner of Glasshouse Street has Dutch style Edwardian gables, stone mullions, banding, stone ball finials, and decorated window arches.

Miscellaneous Buildings

2.97 The Victorian walk-up flats (Shaftesbury House and Cromwell House) on Vauxhall Walk are attractively detailed in brickwork and decorative ironwork and represent relatively early examples of their type in Lambeth. They have group value with the Black Dog Public House.

2.98 The former Ragged School at 22 Newport Street (Beaconsfield Art Gallery) was once a larger, more formal architectural composition. However, it was substantially demolished in the early 20th century to accommodate the widening of the railway viaduct and only 1/3 remains of the original. It is of architectural and historic interest.

E. Landmark 20th Century buildings 2.99 The river fronting building plots along Albert Embankment attracted a number of office developments in the 20th century. The majority were of limited architectural interest and have subsequently been redeveloped but a number of good examples survive. They have a group value for their

25 architectural quality and townscape contribution they make to the banks of the River Thames. Former London Fire Bridgade HQ, No. 8 Albert Embankment. - 2.100 The Brigade HQ at No. 8 Albert Embankment was the first truly high- status HQ building on this section of the river frontage; like County Hall (further to the north) it positively addresses the river and has a strongly articulated silhouette. 2.101 This is a significant site which was developed comprehensively in the 1930s to meet the specific needs of the London Fire Brigade. It comprises a HQ buildings (incorporating a fire station) to Albert Embankment, a drill ground to the rear, (containing a training tower), a training school and workshops to the rear (on east side of Lambeth High Street). The main elements are listed, in part for their little altered character (see 2009 list description). Main Building 2.102 Externally the front and flanks of the HQ building form an imposing and understated landmark on Albert Embankment and is of recognisable quality when compared to its generally less distinguished and inferior Albert Embankment neighbours. The construction detailing, ornamentation, and materiality (brick and Portland stone) of the façade are exceptionally well handled and of recognisably high quality. The art / ornamentation is focused to the centre of the elevation aligned on axis with and emphasizing a watchtower feature which is emblazoned with a coat of arms and topped with a flag pole. There is very subtle tiering and stepping on the upper levels of the façade (rising up to the coat or arms on the watchtower). The watchtower is decorated by a frieze of ornamental stonework which wraps around its four elevations just below a deep over-hanging cornice. The building frontage is only recognisable as a fire station by the presence of the seven appliance doors on the façade and the inscription on the Portland stone above these doors. In every other respect No. 8 Albert Embankment has the appearance of a carefully designed and beautifully executed civic / headquarters building enjoying a prominent river frontage. 2.103 It is only at the rear of the building, that the true fire station use of the site is exhibited. The building has a number of key recognisable fire station features - the appliance bay openings, the carriage wash, the balcony access to the upper-floor accommodation, the drill ground itself and the drill tower. The design also exhibits a number of unique features which were incorporated into the design to meet the Brigade’s ceremonial requirements including tiered spectator terraces overlooking the drill yard. 2.104 Architecturally and stylistically the streamlined forms and crisp detailing of the rear is a clear reference to the rise of the international modern influences; a practical aesthetic for such a functional building type. The intrusive presence of the 1980s control building has diminished our ability to appreciate the whole composition of the rear elevation.

26 Drill yard 2.105 The multifunctional drill yard space was designed to serve both the day-to-day needs of the fire station (for example providing an area for the turning of appliances and for training) and the public role for weekly public drill events and formal Brigade ceremonies. It has direct access to the balconies via an external staircase with ornamental ironwork. It contains an unusual obelisk structure which ventilates basement control room bunker accommodation which is considered to be of interest. A boundary wall and gates (1980s) enclose the Lambeth High Street frontage. Drill Tower 2.106 This is part of the original design and has materials and detailing consistent with the main building. Nine storeys in height, it occupies the north east corner of the drill ground and is angled at 45 degrees to face the main building (making it highly visible to the spectators on the viewing balconies). It is visible (in silhouette against the sky) from across the river at Millbank and from Albert Embankment because of the gap in the building frontage to the immediate north of the main building and its roof top is also visible from Albert Embankment, Millbank and Vaxuhall bridge from the south over the top of White Hart Dock. The drill tower is also visible in the views from the junction of Black Prince Road and Lambeth High Street, Lambeth High Street and Whitgift Street. Training School and Workshop 2.107 This building shares the same architectural language as the main building with the materials, window detailing, brickwork and stone banding; there are also elements of decorative ironwork set into the roof garden parapet. This approach to ensure a harmonious design is a conscious design response to the proximity of (and visibility from) the main building across the drill ground. 2.108 Undoubtedly care was taken in the detailing and appearance of the façade of the four storey part because of its visibility in the backdrop of the public drills and ceremonies when seen from the viewing balconies on the main building. This role in the backdrop would also explain the alignment of the façade of the training school which is aligned parallel to the rear of the main building rather than parallel to Lambeth High Street. This workshop / training school building is not statutory listed but is considered to have historic and architectural significance and is a positive contributor to the conservation area. 2.109 The 1980s control building on the corner of Black Prince Road and Lambeth High Street was designed by the GLC Department of Architecture and Civic Design in 1980. This bulky structure obscures views of the original rear elevation.

Peninsula Heights, No. 93 Albert Embankment 2.110 Formerly Alembic House. A 15 storey office tower with a three storey podium designed by Oscar Garry & Partners and built for the United Nations

27 Association in 1960-62. It was built on the site of Victorian industrial premises. Pevsner and Cherry in the Buildings of England – London: South rate this tower as the best of the post-war buildings on the embankment commending it for ‘displaying the new confidence of the 1960’s’. It was reclad and modelled into flats in 1996.

Camelford and Tintagel, Nos. 87 – 91 Albert Embankment 2.111 Both buildings were designed by T.P.Bennett; a leading architectural practice, designing large blocks of offices and flats for nearly a century. They are fine examples of early 1960’s office architecture.

2.112 Tintagel House is 12 storeys and was occupied by the Metropolitan Police. It has elevations of Portland Stone and chestnut brown brick, a double height ground floor plinth of dark brick and imposing stone porch and a square roof top pavilion topped by an elegant copper needle and ball finial.

2.113 Camelford House is a 16 storey tower and has a 12 storey curving ‘tail’ wing. Built in 1962 and occupied by the GPO’s London Telecommunications regional head office. Both office buildings have pleasing elevations of contrasting stone and horizontal brick banding

Vauxhall Cross Building (MI6 HQ), No. 85 Albert Embankment (1989-1992) 2.114 A monumental post-modern HQ building designed by Sir Terry Farrell, with strong Art-Deco influences. Its dramatic form, with the solid central element flanked either side by tiered glazed elements, speaks of Mayan and Aztec temples. The contrast between the concrete cladding and the green wall glazing emphasises the layered nature of the building. Its imposing bulk is broken down with a series of interlocking terraces.

Building Character and Materials

2.115 The vast majority of buildings in the conservation area are constructed in brick; a key aspect of local distinctiveness. Portland Stone is used on the high status buildings to provide detailing and refinement. Carving, decoration and ornamentation is characteristic of virtually all the buildings; even some of the industrial buildings. Architectural ceramics were manufactured here. The Doulton Offices showcase examples of their products and the presence of glazed bricks and tiles on many of the pubs reinforce this locally important character. White tiles are also a key feature of the 1960-70s blocks on the St Thomas’s site.

2.116 Irrespective of their age or style the buildings universally have interesting and decorative roofscapes; pitches, parapets, chimney stacks, campaniles, towers cupolas, finials, flag poles and other features enrich the roofscape.

2.117 In the 19th century buildings windows are typically timber with traditional typical pub front joinery at ground floor and sliding sashes above. The frames are of the traditional slender type with single glazing.

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2.118 The large 20th century buildings typically have metal windows. The former London Fire Brigade HQ has steel casements of a moderne style, Camelford House and Tintagel House have natural finish aluminium sliding sashes and Vauxhall Cross Building has powder coated aluminium units.

2.119 The railway arches are typically infilled with modern utilitarian frontages – the designs for the industrial / employment uses are generally more successful in design terms than the shopfronts.

Boundary treatments

2.120 The conservation area is largely devoid of traditional boundary treatments. Where historic boundary treatments survive, they add to the richness of the street scene; the ornamental cast iron railings in place at St. Thomas’s Hospital (some to Lambeth Palace Road and a section to Westminster Bridge Road) are particularly rare survivors. However, the poorly executed (spalling dry-dash) boundary to the relatively modern hospital entrance off of Westminster Bridge is a particularly poor attempt to replicate the high quality concrete finish of the 1970s boundary.

2.121 The application of memorial plaques to the Portland stone west boundary of the hospital has diminished its design integrity.

2.122 Tall brick boundary walls can be found on some of the industrial units in Newport Street and Randall Row, which obscure the views of the Ragged School and some railway arches. The security rotary spikes on the boundary walls on Salamanca Street and facing Pedlars Park are to the detriment of the area.

2.123 The rare boundary treatments on the later developments are low level, simple and open.

Public Realm

2.124 There are a variety of paving materials, kerbs, cross-over and highways details present within the conservation area; they form a reasonably harmonious streetscape.

2.125 Of particular note is the surviving historic paving on the Riverside Walk between Westminster Bridge and Lambeth Bridge – a largely intact survivor it has been undermined slightly by modern contrasting slabs promoting walking routes along its length.

2.126 In a few other areas such as Salamanca Street and Salamanca Place stone paving or granite setts remain but these are rare. All surviving examples contribute to the historic character of the conservation area.

29 Street Furniture

2.127 This largely includes signage, lighting and benches. The quality and consistency of street furniture throughout the area is varied but generally absent of notable clutter or visual intrusion. Features of particular note include:

2.128 Sturgeon lamp standards – 64 in total. These line the Albert Embankment at regular intervals and are of excellent quality. They consist of pairs of Sturgeons entwined around a fluted, wreathed column topped with globe lampholder with crown finial. Their bases are decorated with the coat of arms, the monogram of the Metropolitan Board and inscribed; ‘1870’, ‘Vic Reg’, ‘Masfield & Co’ (the foundry) and ‘C Vulliamy’ (the architect). The associated lion masks on the river facing plinths are equally noteworthy. Further examples of these lamps and masks can be found on the Victoria Embankment and at County Hall in the South Bank Conservation Area.

2.129 Cast iron benches on granite plinths - with ornate open-work panels and arms fashioned in the shape of swans, these hold long timber slats for seating.

2.130 The benches and lamp standards, and pergola on the short esplanade fronting the Vauxhall Cross Building are part of this high quality unified public realm.

2.131 The Lambeth Parish lamp column located on the north approach to Lambeth Bridge is one of a handful of surviving examples in the borough.

2.132 The K6 kiosk (grade II listed) at Lambeth Pier is an attractive historic survivor and a popular stop for tourists who have come to view the Palace of Westminster.

2.133 The drinking fountain built into the south boundary of the Medical School (red brick and polished stone trefoil gothic niche with pet trough) is also of historic interest.

2.134 The modern timber boat benches and associated ornamental timbers at White Hart Dock were designed by artists Handspring Design

2.135 The area with the greatest problem with street furniture is the riverside walk around Lambeth Pier. This is a particularly important place for people to congregate to view the Palace of Westminster; and is regularly used by TV crews. Unfortunately way finding totems, and Southbank Centre billboards, modern street furniture installations, black painted metal infrastructure cabinets, signage and lamp columns clutter the footways on the approach to Lambeth Bridge.

30 Public Art / Memorials

2.136 There is a wide range or historic and modern public art within the area – enriching the public spaces and often helping to explain the history and development of the area.

2.137 The St. Thomas’s Hospital campus has a tradition of public sculpture including two statues of King Edward VI (Grade II* listed) and the statue of Thomas Clayton by Grinling Gibbons (Grade I listed).

2.138 The torsion fountain in the St Thomas Hospital garden is a striking design by Naum Gabo. The two giant figures constructed from small metal plates welded together on granite plinths at St Thomas’ Hospital is called Cross the Divide by Rick Kirby. The group of colourful characters outside the Evelina Children’s Hospital are ‘Children of the World;’ by Frédéric Lanovsky and nearby stands ‘Tree of Life’ by Chris Plowman.

2.139 A cast bronze bust on a granite plinth with cast bronze panels of the 12th century philosopher, statesman and poet Basaveshwara is located within Albert Embankment Gardens (West).

2.140 Mosaics within the railway arches– Black Prince Road and Salamanca Street and Pedlars Park – By Southbank Mosaics depict scenes of local significance including: examples of the work of Doulton’s Lambeth Wares, the Black Prince Edward III’s eldest son the Duke of Cornwall whom the road is named , mosaics and ceramics depicting views of the city of Salamanca; the street is named after a decisive Napoleonic battle won by the Duke of Wellington and ceramics referencing North Lambeth’s role as a major ceramics manufacturing centre with over 70 potteries producing a variety of goods. A Pedlar whose image can be found in a stained glass window in St Mary’s Church.

Memorials 2.141 Memorials in the conservation area include a plinth with the bust of Violette Szabo by Karen Newman and memorials to the Special Operations Executive, the Heroes of Telemark and the Marquis French Resistance Fighters; and the two plaques (one commemorates victims of the Human Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, the other a memorial to Lieutenant Colonel John By) mounted on the Albert Embankment boundary wall of St. Thomas’s Hospital. These latter two detract somewhat from the impressive unbroken line of the Portland stone wall.

2.142 The former Fire Brigade HQ contains a very significant Memorial Hall to fire fighters who died in public service. The hall itself and the monuments within it are statutory listed. St. Thomas House, Lambeth Palace Road is itself a War Memorial in its own right, commissioned by St. Thomas’s Hospital War Memorial Fund Committee as a facility for students.

31 Signs and Advertisements

2.143 While there is business activity within the conservation area there is a conspicuous absence of signage. Advertising signs, however, such as that currently attached to Southbank House is deemed inappropriate for a conservation area.

2.144 Billboards are not characteristic of the conservation area with the exception of those at the corner of Lambeth Palace Road and Royal Street. They frame a vacant site and illustrate the inappropriateness of hoardings in historic contexts; degrading the quality of the environment and causing visual intrusion on an otherwise attractive street frontage.

2.145 Premises signage within the area tends to be discrete and does not feature as a dominant element on buildings; there is generally an absence of illuminated signage. The exception are the premises within the railway viaduct arches fronting Albert Embankment – discordant signage of various sizes and shapes harm visual amenity.

Activity and Uses

2.146 The primary land uses in the area are healthcare and office / commercial with residential uses characterising the area beyond the conservation area boundary. The Riverside Walk is an important route for pedestrian, joggers and cyclists and forms part of the Thames Path Way National Path.

Listed Buildings

Statutory Listed Buildings

2.147 Statutory Listing means that the building is protected by law. This protection extends to the whole building including its interior. It also extends to any object or structure fixed to the building as well as to any freestanding objects or structures, which lie within the curtilage of the building and which were erected before 1 July 1948. Listed Building Consent is required for any works that might affect the special interest of the listed building.

A list of the statutory listed buildings in the conservation area can be found in Appendix 1.

Locally Listed Buildings

2.148 The Council maintains a list of buildings of local architectural or historic interest, which it believes are worthy of conservation. Local listing brings with it no additional planning controls but is a material consideration when the planning applications are considered. At the time of appraisal the following buildings were on the local list.

32 Number Road Description Date listed Bridge Lambeth Palace Lambeth Parish Lamp 26.03.2012 Approach Road Standard

2.149 The selection criteria for local listing are

A - Architecture The architectural style, decoration and detailing, materials, craftsmanship and plan form may give it special interest if these features are of particular note - above the ordinary in their design and execution, and reasonably intact. This criterion can include the best works of architects who were active locally. In some cases altered buildings may still be worthy of inclusion, especially if by an architect of importance.

B - History Buildings and structures that reflect the diverse aspects of the social, economic, and physical development of Lambeth may be of interest. If the building type is reasonably common – houses, pubs, churches - only the best examples will be added to the list.

C - Close historical association Connections with people or events that are acknowledged as of being of borough wide / national importance may make some buildings worthy of inclusion. Building materials of clear local interest (such as Doulton's architectural ceramics) may be considered in this category.

D - Townscape Some buildings and structures contribute to the richness of our street scene, individually or in groups they may contribute greatly to the quality of local townscape or landscape. Similarly, they may contribute positively to the setting or group value of statutory listed buildings.

E - Age and rarity The older a building or structure is and/or the fewer the surviving examples of its type the more historically important it is.

2.150 The following structures are recommended for local listing:

Name / Road Description Reasons Number for inclusion Graphite Vauxhall Walk War Memorial at entrance A BCD Square way – plaque and scriptural wreath Lambeth Pier Albert Embankment Single storey timber café on A BCD an iron pier structure.

33 Vauxhall Cross Albert Embankment Design by Terry Farrell. A D Building Completed 1994. Imposing symmetrical composition; stepping up from the river. Said to be influenced by Art Deco, Mayan and Aztec styles. A major London landmark The Jolly Black Prince Road Late 19th century corner A B Gardeners public house in red brick Public House with fine dressings and painted stone banding. Queen Anne style. Pilasters to pub front carry capitals of grapes, hops etc. Canted corner with decorative panel depicting two gardeners. Queens Head No. 71 Black Prince Late Victorian public house A B Road rebuilt 1895 on site of a late 18th century tavern. The Black Dog Vauxhall Walk Late 19th century Queen A B E Public House Anne style corner public house in stock brick with red brick detailing. Sash windows. Ornate dormers and chimney stacks give picturesque roofline. Painted pub front.

Buildings and structures that make a Positive Contribution

2.151 Buildings that make a positive contribution are therefore worthy of retention although some may require restoration or refurbishment. There is a presumption in favour of their sympathetic retention. Demolition or unsympathetic alteration will be resisted. The conservation area boundary has been carefully drawn to ensure that the vast majority of buildings included make a positive contribution. For those buildings that are considered not to make a positive contribution please see below.

Buildings and Structures that make a neutral contribution 2.152 These buildings are not considered to have a harmful impact but they are not considered essential to the special interest of the conservation area. Redevelopment should ensure that any replacement buildings do not cause harm. The following buildings are considered to be neutral contributors:

A. St Thomas’ Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road – The post-war blocks including the substantial white tiled blocks by Yorke Rosenberg & Mardall erected 1969-76. Their bulk, scale and mass is sympathetic to the wider

34 locality and their white tiled finish complements the Portland Stone elevations of other buildings lining the River Thames. These positive characteristics should be considered if change or redevelopment is proposed. B Peninsula Heights – very prominently located but not of any particular architectural or historic interest. The bulk, scale and mass is sympathetic to the wider locality and the understated architectural treatment makes it unobtrusive in wider views. These positive characteristics should be considered if change or redevelopment is proposed. C Former industrial buildings fronting Worgan Street – two storey brick workshops with full height sliding timber doors and four storey red brick office block with cobbled forecourt. Remnants of the areas industrial past D No. 79 Lambeth Walk - Five storey red brick residential block. The materials, bulk scale and mass is sympathetic to the adjoining Edwardian industrial building. These positive characteristics should be considered if change or redevelopment is proposed. E New Student housing scheme Tinworth Street – 8 storey brick development in the ‘new London vernacular’; the material and detailing help to reinforce the establish character of the area. F New Hotel, Vauxhall Walk 4 storey brick with double mansard in the ‘new London vernacular’; the material and detailing help to reinforce the establish character of the area. G Nos. 73-79 Black Prince Road - poorly detailed but of sympathetic brickwork, bulk, scale and mass. H Arden House, Black Prince Road – interwar council flats with replacement windows. Only their basic bulk, scale and mass and retail units are positive characteristics that should be considered if change or redevelopment is proposed. . I Prideaux Building a single storey red brick structure constructed in 1976-8

Buildings and structures that make a Negative Contribution

2.153 There are no such contributors in the conservation area.

Views

2.154 The views and panoramas from within the conservation area form a key part of its character. The conservation area is uniquely placed in central London on the banks of the River Thames opposite the Palace of Westminster. There is historic significance here too in the fact one represents the heart of ‘the state’ and the other the home of the established ‘church’.

35 This exceptional context creates numerous views and vistas of importance, international, national, city wide, borough and local importance.

The London View Management Framework River Prospect views include:

2.155 Westminster Bridge - views south towards Lambeth Bridge and beyond to Vauxhall.

2.156 Lambeth Bridge – views of Albert Embankment, St Thomas’s Hospital and Lambeth Palace.

2.157 Victoria Embankment between Waterloo and Westminster bridges – vies of the 1970’s blocks at St Thomas’s hospital

Views into the conservation area 2.158 The river, the riverside parapet of Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster Bridge and Lambeth Bridge afford excellent views of Albert Embankment, St Thomas’ Hospital and the Lambeth Palace complex (Lambeth Palace Conservation Area). The view from Victoria Tower Gardens with river the foreground and canopy of mature trees pierced by the roofline of the historic buildings is the only place where the composition of the historic St Thomas’ hospital complex can be fully appreciated.

2.159 The river, Millbank and Lambeth Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge afford good views of the significant buildings along Albert Embankment. Peninsula Heights, Tintagel House and Camelford House read as a group with the Vauxhall Cross building. The Rose Public House and Vintage House are clearly visible from Millbank.

2.160 When viewed from the River itself or from the opposite river bank two buildings on Albert Embankment can be considered to have landmark status – No. 8 Albert Embankment and the Vauxhall Cross Building MI6 HQ. Their landmark status comes from their form, treatment and architecture but particularly from their silhouettes against open sky. In both instances it is clear from the compositions that their designers intended them to be appreciated in this way. Both are symmetrical, imposing and richly modelled to create defined and interesting silhouettes against the sky. No. 8 Albert Embankment is visible in true silhouette from the footway and south entrance gates to the little public garden which serves the south steps up onto Lambeth Bridge. This viewing place is within the Smith Square Conservation Area, Westminster.

Views out of the conservation area 2.161 The riverscape of the north bank (Pimlico, Millbank and the Palace of Westminster) form the entire backdrop on the western side creating an unfolding panorama for the whole length of the riverside walk.

36 2.162 The views towards the Palace of Westminster are all noteworthy given its designation as a world heritage site. In particular the view W from St Thomas’ Hospital garden to the Houses of Parliament (including Westminster bridge)

2.163 The Millbank Tower is prominent in views from the bridges. The Tate Gallery is a particularly noteworthy landmark in views out because it was the gift of Henry Tate, a long-term Lambeth resident and local philanthropist. Its backdrop is marred by a post-war tower block.

2.164 The two imposing blocks flanking the Westminster approach to Lambeth Bridge are particularly impressive from Lambeth Bridge and the Embankment on either side.

Identified local views include: 2.165 View NW from Lambeth Palace terrace to the Houses of Parliament (Victoria Tower) 2.166 View from Lambeth Palace garden to Victoria Tower to the Houses of Parliament (Victoria Tower) as viewed through the gap between St Thomas Hospital building and the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Medical School Building. 2.167 View SW from St George Wharf Pier to Battersea Power Station

Views within the Conservation Area

2.169 A striking gateway to the conservation area in terms of sheer scale is the impressive vista from Vauxhall Bridge looking east to Vauxhall Station with the grandiose mass of the MI6 Headquarters and St George Wharf flanking the view. Views from all of the bridges give impressive appreciation of the River Thames as it flows north.

2.170 Vistas along the Embankment are enhanced by the spacious character, retaining walls lamps and trees give a boulevard / promenade feel.

2.171 At Black Prince Road the building line sets back behind White Hart Dock. This reveals the south flank of No. 8 Albert Embankment in views from the south – making the building the more prominent than any other along this section of the Embankment. The change in building line at Black Prince Road not only reveals oblique views of No. 8 Albert Embankment, it also opens up a welcome gap in the otherwise solid built frontage in oblique views from Millbank (Millbank Conservation Area) and along a section of Vauxhall Bridge (Pimlico Conservation Area). The low nature of the 1980s London Fire Brigade control building (immediately behind No. 8 Albert Embankment) creates the opportunity for the viewer in these locations to see over its roof to sky beyond – giving a true indication of distance – which heightens the effectiveness of the gap.

37 2.172 The view of the Fire Brigade drill tower with the Windmill pub as its backdrop from the junction of Black Prince Road and Lambeth High Street is noteworthy and so too is the view of these buildings west along Whitgift Street.

2.173 There is an impressive vista from beneath the railway arch on Black Prince Road towards the great redbrick cliff face of Southbank House (former Doulton works), leading the eye west across the river where the view is terminated by the Neo-Classical Thames House (1929).

Capacity for Change

2.174 There are no designated development opportunity sites within the conservation area, or vacant sites awaiting development. However, opportunities may arise to enhance or redevelop neutral contributor buildings. All redevelopment proposals will be expected to preserve or enhance the character of appearance of the conservation area.

Appraisal Recommendations 2.176 Albert Embankment certainly warrants designation as a conservation area. It has a significance beyond Lambeth; contributing to the character of the wider city, making a significant contribution to the setting Westminster world heritage site and to the character of the River Thames.

Conservation Area Boundary 2.177 This appraisal has indicated the five character areas – River Thames and Albert Embankment, St Thomas’s Hospital Campus, Landmark 20th century buildings, 19th century industrial and commercial development and 19th century public Houses that comprise the special architectural and historic interest of the area. In order to effectively manage their conservation it is considered that additions to the following existing conservation area are essential: 2.178 It is not proposed to de-designation any parts of the existing Albert Embankment Conservation Area. However, the following additions to the conservation area boundary are proposed: A. Add the River Thames, north part of St Thomas Hospital campus / Albert Embankment (currently in South Bank Conservation Area). B. Add the remaining part of River Thames, St Thomas Hospital campus (including medical School) / Albert Embankment (currently mostly in the Lambeth Palace Conservation Area). C. Add sections of railway viaduct along Albert Embankment open space between Texaco garage to opposite the Vauxhall Cross Building and associated parts of Randall Road and Newport Street; including No. 7 (not currently designated) and former Ragged School, Newport Street (currently in the Vauxhall Gardens Conservation Area).

38 D. The 19th century buildings in Black Prince Road, Tinworth Street, Glasshouse Walk, Vauxhall Walk and Worgan Street (currently within the Vauxhall Gardens Conservation Area). E. Add Peninsula Heights, Camelford House, Tintagel House, Railway Viaduct and open space along Albert Embankment (not currently designated). F. Add the riverside walk of the St George Wharf development.

39 3. GUIDANCE

3.1 Together with general advice and guidance about conservation area law and policy that is available in separate documents, this section provides good practice guidance on works to properties within the conservation area.

Alterations to Existing Properties

3.2 Details characteristic of the area should be retained and repaired wherever possible. It is only in this way that the special character and appearance of the area can be retained.

3.3 Advice on repairs to historic buildings can be obtained from numerous sources including ‘Stopping the Rot’ by SPAB / IHBC which can be downloaded free from www.ihbc.org.uk. If an historic feature is beyond repair it is essential to replicate it accurately in the new work. Where possible, the original feature can inform the design detailing. Alternatively, adjoining buildings, old photographs, prints or plans can often assist. It should be noted that some replacement works might require building control approval and listed building consent as well as planning permission.

Wall Surfaces 3.4 Previously plain brickwork should not be rendered, painted or clad as such changes will normally harm the integrity of the building. Brickwork repairs should be undertaken with caution – matching Imperial sized brick of the same colour and texture will be required for most of the older properties. Original mortar and pointing should be retained wherever possible, where re- pointing is required on the older properties mortar mixes should normally be lime based, have a traditional light colour and a coarse aggregate. The pointing finish should be traditional flush or slightly recessed, not weather struck. Where only selective re-pointing is required the pointing should match existing.

External Stucco Render Detailing 3.5 The decorative work on facades should be retained and repaired. Special mortar mixes should be used where necessary and fine mouldings and details should be repaired by specialists.

Joinery 3.6 Historic timber is generally of a much higher quality than much of what is available today. Regular inspection and repainting prolongs the life of exterior joinery, windows and doors. Small repairs to address localised rot or other failures can be undertaken by experienced joiners. Where important features are beyond repair and the replacement becomes necessary exact replicas of the traditional features should be sought.

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Windows 3.7 Changes to the size of window and door openings should be avoided in buildings that make a positive contribution. Traditional windows should be kept in good repair and retained. If increased insulation is required the use of internal secondary glazing should be considered. Where replacement windows are deemed necessary exact replicas should be sought. In the case of timber windows these should be painted and the glazing should have a putty finish. Double glazing should only be considered it accurately matches the appearance of original windows, their frames, glazing bars and the reflective qualities of the glass. Stick-on glazing bars should be avoided as they can, with time, become loose and drop off. Trickle vents and other modern window detailing should also be avoided.

3.8 Modern window designs in metal, unpainted hardwood or uPVC window units should be avoided as they fail to replicate the traditional construction details and delicate glazing bars of traditional single glazed windows and can look crude and ungainly – thus harming the attractiveness of buildings.

Doors 3.9 Original external doors should be retained and repaired as they are very important features. Accurate replica doors, reflecting the date and style of the building will be required in most instances. Accurate reinstatement should be sought where there features need to be replaced.

Roofs 3.10 The removal of historic roof structures and their replacement with different designs should be avoided as roofs and chimneys often contribute to the special character of a building, its group value and the wider character of the area.

3.11 Small-scale roof repairs can often be accomplished using reclaimed materials. When considering replacement roof finishes it is advisable to re-use the original covering or a good match for it. Modern roof coverings, when requiring replacement, should be replaced with traditional ones. Natural slate roof pitches are important to the character of the area. Artificial or concrete slates should be resisted as they rarely look good and often loose their colour and surface finish within a few decades. Pop-up roof vents, extractors or soil stacks should also be avoided. Flush fittings in unobtrusive locations provide a better option.

Dormers 3.12 Dormers are not a feature of the conservation area. In the limited number of cases where new dormers might be deemed appropriate they should be placed at the rear. They should be designed to match the host building and be detailed in the traditional manner. Large dormers, those with felt finishes, bulky construction or other poor modern treatments, including those that break or protrude above the main roof ridge, should be avoided.

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Roof lights 3.13 These are not, generally, a feature of the area. They should be avoided on prominent roof slopes and where the group value of unaltered roofs is important. They are most likely to be considered appropriate to the rear. The roof light should normally be of the traditional cast-iron type, flush finished with a traditional slender frame and a vertical glazing bar; they should be small and in line with existing openings. Large, modern or poorly located roof lights have the potential to cause great harm.

Extensions 3.14 Extensions are likely to be resisted in order to preserve the integrity of the host building, the group value and the character or appearance of the conservation area.

3.15 New side and rear extensions are only likely to be acceptable where they would not harm the spatial character of the area. All extensions should respect the forms and design of the host building along with its materials and construction details. No extensions should be so large as to dominate or compete with the host building in visual terms.

3.16 Loss or inappropriate alteration of historic roofs should be avoided and chimneystacks should be retained intact. Where they may be acceptable roof extensions must respect the host building and be good neighbours generally. Boxy or alien features will not be deemed appropriate.

New Buildings

3.17 The Council will resist the loss of buildings that make a positive contribution to the character or appearance of the conservation area. Care should be taken to ensure that the new buildings in and adjoining the conservation area preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the area.

3.18 Sympathetic building forms and materials will normally be expected to respect the character or the conservation area. Proposals and their accompanying Design Statements should be respectful of the existing character of neighbouring buildings and the wider street scene with regard; building line and footprint, massing, form, fenestration and detailing

3.19 There are a number of development opportunities adjoining the conservation area. All schemes, irrespective of location, should aim to enhance the character of the area and overcome the visual blight and barrier effect which the post-war buildings facing the river currently project.

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Pubfronts

3.20 The surviving traditional pub fronts are of particular interest and should be preserved and original features retained, restored and/or re-instated wherever possible.

Railway Arches

3.21 The creative use of railway arches for commercial purposes is encouraged. Where this involves the provision of shopfronts these should be designed in a warehouse or contemporary glazed style so that the railway viaduct remains the dominant feature. New work should not harm existing fabric, should be recessed from the arch face.

3.22 The character of the arch should always be retained and expressed within the design. Signage should be contained within the arch either located on the horizontal steel channel or suspended behind the upper glazing.

Signs and Advertisements

3.23 New designs and materials should respect the host building and be an enhancement to the wider conservation area. The Council offers the following guidance upon which new proposals can be based:

Location

3.24 The traditional location for signage for business premises is at their entrance. Signage in other locations should generally be avoided in order to minimise harm to the appearance of the area.

Materials / Content

3.25 The traditional practice of individual letters applied to, or painted directly on a timber fascia should be reintroduced as it allows the sign writer to be creative in their use of fonts and colour. Boxed-out fascias, plastic (or similar effect) materials or folded metal are unacceptable.

3.26 Information should be limited to the name of the premises, a logo and the property number. Excessive information and logos can cause inappropriate visual clutter and should be avoided. Other premises typically had small painted boards or inscribed metal plates by their entrance. Corporate signage requires particular attention, off-the-peg solutions are deemed inappropriate.

3.27 Large national and multinational chains should amend their standard corporate signs to respect the area.

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Projecting Signs

3.28 Projecting box signs in moulded plastic are typically bulky and obtrusive and internally illuminated; as such they are inappropriate in conservation areas. Projecting signs, sensitively located and mounted on a well designed bracket will be acceptable. These should generally not be larger than 600mm x 600mm in area x 5mm thick and should be of robust construction.

3.29 Well designed, creative solutions are encouraged. Off-the-peg corporate solutions may not be deemed appropriate if they are not sympathetic to the character of the area. Hanging brackets should be well designed and neatly executed with discrete fixings.

Illuminated Signage

3.30 Illuminated advertising should be avoided on residential buildings or other sensitive locations. Where acceptable in principal the source of illumination should be external and limited only to the name or logo of the premises.

3.31 External light fittings should be small, low key and their number kept to a minimum to avoid visual clutter. Swan-neck lamps should be avoided as they often get damaged and can provide perches for pigeons. Large or dominant light fittings will not deemed appropriate. Cables should be concealed internally.

3.32 Corporate signage will be expected to respond sympathetically to its context. Internally illuminated box signs and those in plastic and metal will be resisted. The Council may support individually illuminated letters on fascias where the design is appropriate as this negates the need for external light fittings. These should be limited to the premises name and no wiring should show.

3.33 Applications for illuminated signage should include clear details of the means of illumination, its location and fixing along with the route or cables. Well designed, creative solutions are encouraged. Off-the-peg corporate solutions may not be deemed appropriate if they are not sympathetic to the character of the area.

Hoardings

3.34 Large advertising hoardings are highly inappropriate for this conservation area.

44 New Uses

3.35 All proposals for new uses should be good neighbours and not cause disruption or nuisance to other residents. Intensification in use must not adversely affect the appearance of the host building or the wider conservation area. Refuse and recycling provision along with cycle storage should not be visible from the street.

Refuse Storage

3.36 Skips and large wheelie bins located in the car park to the rear of Camelford House, fronting the river walk, and refuse stored on the pavement of Tinworth Street, fronting the Crown Public House, creates visual clutter. This causes harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area. Refuse should be stored out of sight or be appropriately screened.

Plant and Equipment

3.37 The location and appearance of plant, extractors, meter boxes, gas pipes, satellite dishes, security alarm boxes and other equipment should be carefully considered. Installations that will be visually obtrusive should be avoided. Where necessary installations should include good quality screening or painting in muted colours to match the surface it is fixed to in order to reduce adverse visual impact.

Boundary Treatments

3.38 The Council will resist the loss of boundary treatments that contribute to the special character of the area. New boundary enclosures should be in harmony with the host building and immediate locality.

3.39 If new ironwork is proposed the Council will expect it to be of a height and design appropriate to the host building and executed to the highest standard – hollow section bars or posts, crude welded detailing etc. will be resisted. New railings will be expected to fit unobtrusively into existing piers or brickwork without obtrusive brackets or bolts.

Trees

3.40 Conservation area designation gives the Council special powers to protect important trees. Anyone proposing to do works to a tree must give written notice of their proposal to the Council. The works should not proceed until the Council has given its consent, or six weeks have expired. Where trees are already protected by a Tree Preservation Order, the Council's consent will still be required for works. The Council will seek the retention of all trees that contribute to the character and appearance of the area.

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Sustainability

3.41 Conservation Area designation seeks to retain existing buildings and the design features that give them their character. All existing buildings have ‘embodied energy’ - the energy that was used to create them; keeping buildings in good repair is the best way to ensure that no energy is wasted. If a building is neglected and features have to the replaced embodied energy is lost when something is removed and dumped and more energy is used in providing a replacement, no matter how environmentally friendly it might be. It is therefore advisable to re-use materials during building works, buy reclaimed recycled material and recycle site waste.

Reduce Consumption

3.42 Consumption can be greatly reduced by undertaking ‘passive’ adaptations; the principles are also transferable to other premises. For example, if the boiler is more than 10 years old replace it with a new more efficient condensing boiler. Use energy efficient light bulbs. Specialist companies can draft proof existing windows and internal secondary glazing can reduce heat loss, noise and condensation without the need to replace original windows. Close internal shutters at night and use heavy, thermally lined curtains in winter to reduce heat loss. Insulate pipes, hot water cylinders, the roof, cavity walls and floors.

Renewable Energy

3.43 The generation of energy from renewable sources is another way to achieve greater sustainability. Solar thermal systems and Solar PV systems normally require a roof-top installation or replacing the roof cover with special panels or tiles. Wind turbines may vary in size and power; they are not always the best renewable energy option in urban areas.

3.44 Ground source heat pumps, installed in gardens, should avoid damage to tree roots. Roof top panels, turbines and other external works should be carefully considered within the conservation area to ensure that no harm is caused to the special character or appearance of the area. Installations of this nature should only be considered once energy consumption has been addressed through the other measures listed above in paragraph 3.40.

Further information

3.45 Historic England publish detailed research and guidance relating to Climate Control and Energy Efficiency for historic buildings.

46 4. MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS

4.1 This section identifies how the Council believes the area should be managed. It has been prepared in line with national good practice guidance set out in ‘Understanding Place, Conservation, Area Designation, Appraisal and Management (March 2011) by English Heritage.

Planning Controls

4.2 In determining planning applications the Council will seek to preserve those elements that contribute to the character or appearance of the area. It will also seek to enhance the conservation area through sympathetic replacement of those elements that do not at present contribute to its character or appearance. There are no proposals to impose greater planning controls.

Monitoring and Enforcement

4.3 The Council is committed to using its planning powers to manage the Albert Embankment Conservation Area in such a way that ensures that its special character or appearance is preserved and enhanced.

4.4 The Conservation and Urban Design team regularly updates its photographic record of the buildings and spaces within the conservation area. This record will be used to monitor change over time in order that policies and planning controls can be effectively used to secure the preservation or enhancement of the character or appearance of the conservation area. Breaches of planning control will be enforced where it is expedient to do so.

Signage and Advertisements

4.5 Existing advertisements, which in the Council’s Opinion, detract from the character or appearance of the area, should be resisted or made subject to discontinuance action where necessary. Illuminated advertising will be discouraged on residential buildings or other sensitive locations.

Highways / Street works

4.6 ‘Streets for All, A Guide to the management of London’s Streets’ by English Heritage and Government Office for London provides detailed good practice guidance on street works in historic places.

4.7 Highways works within the conservation area should reflect national good practice guidance set out in Department of Transport’s 1996 document ‘Traffic Management in Historic Areas’ 1/96. Its broad principles are: -

47  Develop an understanding of the special qualities of the place and depart as little as possible from the traditional form of streets and their materials;  Respect existing or established traditional materials and detailing;  Review existing signing and consider scope for rationalization  Anticipate and minimize new signing requirements at the earliest design state  Limit formal designs to formal spaces; and  Provide for maintenance and invest in quality.

Trees

4.8 The Council is committed to the maintenance of all trees of value within the conservation area and will encourage ongoing management to ensure their health and longevity. The Council will take action against unauthorised works to protected trees where they are considered to have high amenity value and contribute positively to the character of the area.

Enhancement Opportunities

4.9 Proposals that would lead to the enhancement of buildings and sites that make a negative contribution to the area is encouraged along with the removal of street clutter. The following opportunities exist:

Albert Embankment between Westminster Bridge and Lambeth Bridge

4.10 The removal of intrusive 20th century alterations at St Thomas’ Hospital such as the poor quality structures built on the garden courtyards between the ward wings.

4.11 The removal of the Jubilee Greenway pavement plaque which has introduced a discordant element on the historic paving.

4.12 At the south end of the Albert Embankment near the Lambeth Pier a three-armed South Bank Employer’s Group poster hoarding and a TFL Wayfinding totem both obstruct the embankment walk, restrict views and have damaged the historic York stone paving. Their removal should be a priority

Westminster Bridge Road—improved access to riverside.

4.13 Proposals to address the adverse impact of traffic would be welcome. The subway access adjacent to St Thomas’ Hospital could, with remodelling, provide much needed level access onto the Queen’s Walk. The railings surrounding the subway should be retained.

4.14 The memorial plaque to victims of CJD on the boundary wall of St Thomas – facing the Riverside Walk is a touching memorial but it has been unsympathetically placed – visually disrupting the otherwise unaltered listed wall. A more appropriate location would be desirable.

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Albert Embankment between Lambeth Bridge to Vauxhall Bridge

4.15 The repair of the timber benches at White Hart Dock

4.16 The repair of stone slabs at Vauxhall Cross Building Esplanade

4.17 The removal of refuse bins and associated clutter from area Tamesis Dock.

4.18 The ad hoc platforms and restaurant paraphilia add considerable clutter to the grassed area in front of the railway arches. We would welcome the removal of these structures.

4.19 The shopfronts and signage within the railway arches have in places a shabby appearance caused by overly large and inconsistent shopfronts and signage. Opportunities exist here to improve the situation.

4.20 The improvement of the retaining wall and pathway along the river path from Peninsula Heights to Vauxhall Cross Building.

4.21 The removal of skips and large wheelie bins located in the car park to the rear of Camelford House, fronting the river walk. Refuse should be stored out of sight or be appropriately screened.

4.22 The improvement of the unattractive railings, untidy servicing areas, car parking, cycle stores and bike parking areas at Camelford House.

Tinworth Street

4.23 The refuse stored on the pavement of Tinworth Street, fronting the Crown Public House, creates visual clutter. Refuse should be stored out of sight or be appropriately screened

Management Conclusion

4.24 The conservation area is characterised by the historic Albert Embankment and riverscape, with some good historic buildings but its setting is characterised by bad post-war buildings. A key part of the management strategy will be the resistance to unsympathetic development. This will help to ensure that those characteristics, which define the area, are retained and not lost via a gradual process of erosion. Enhancement opportunities are limited within the conservation and lie mainly with adjoining sites. This, the council believes, can be achieved through good development control and working in partnership with business owners and local residents.

49 5. CONTACTS

LAMBETH PLANNING If you have a conservation area question require planning / listed building advice, the Council will be happy to advise. Please contact:

Conservation & Urban Design Phoenix House 10 Wandsworth Road London SW8 2LL

Telephone 020 7926000 E-mail [email protected] Web lambeth.gov.uk

LAMBETH BUILDING CONTROL To discuss whether your proposal requires Building Regulations Approval please contact:

Building Control Phoenix House 10 Wandsworth Road London SW8 2LL

Telephone 020 7926 9000 E-mail [email protected] Web lambeth.gov.uk

HISTORIC ENGLAND The Government’s advisor on the historic environment.

1 Waterhouse Square 138-142 Holborn London EC1N 2ST

Telephone 020 7973 3000 Web www.historicengland.org.uk

VICTORIAN SOCIETY Charity championing Victorian and Edwardian buildings in England and Wales.

1 Priory Gardens, London W4 1TT

Telephone 020 8994 1019 Email [email protected]

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TWENTIETH CENTURY SOCIETY Charity campaigning for twentieth century architecture.

70 Cowcross Street London EC1M 6EJ

Telephone 020 7250 3857 Email [email protected]

51 SOURCES

National Planning Policy Framework (2012)

National Planning Policy Framework Planning Practice Guidance (2014)

London Plan (2011)

The London World Heritage Sites Guidance on Settings Supplementary Planning Guidance (2012)

Understanding Place, Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal and Management. English Heritage (2011)

Greater London Authority. (2004). London Plan: A Spatial Development Strategy.

Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act, 1990.

Lambeth Local Plan (2015)

Lambeth Local Views Study (2012)

The Vauxhall Supplementary Planning Document (2013)

The Waterloo Area Supplementary Planning Document (2009)

Metropolitan Views Supplementary Planning Document City of Westminster (2007)

Survey of London. (1956). Vol. Parish of St Mary Lambeth. Part I: Southbank and Vauxhall.

Lambeth Archive, Images

Schedule of Statutory Listed Buildings in Lambeth

Historic Maps

Rocques Map of 1745

Plan of the Parish of St. Mary Lambeth. 1824.

Parish of Lambeth divided into Ecclesiastical Districts. 1824.

Ordnance Survey – Various editions

Geological Society - Survey 1920

52 Map of the Metropolitan Borough of Lambeth showing the Parliamentary divisions, wards and polling districts. 1935

53 APPENDIX 1 – STATUTORY LISTED BUILDINGS The following buildings are statutorily listed:

Name/Number Road Grade River Wall with 28 Lamp Albert Embankment II Standards from Lambeth Bridge to west of Alembic House Four Public Benches on Albert Embankment II Embankment Footpath immediately north of Alembic House No. 8, London Fire Brigade Albert Embankment II Headquarters Drill Tower to the East of No. 8 Albert Embankment II Albert Embankment Southbank House Black Prince Road II No.s 1 – 7 Newport Street II St Thomas Hospital South Lambeth Palace Road II Wing Wall Along Western Boundary Albert Embankment (East II of St Thomas’ Hospital River Side) facing boundary Wall Lambeth bridge and attached Lambeth Road II parapets, light standards K6 telephone kiosk by Albert Embankment II Lambeth Pier Statue of Robert Clayton at St Thomas’ Hospital Grade I North entrance to ward block of North Wing Stone statue of Edward VI at St Thomas’ Hospital Grade II* North Entrance Bronze statue of Edward VI in St Thomas’ Hospital Grade II* corridor of North Block Fifteen Public Benches on Albert Embankment (West II Embankment footpath Side) between Lambeth Bridge and Westminster Bridge River Wall with 36 Lamp Albert Embankment (West II Standards between Lambeth Side) Bridge and Westminster Bridge Block 5 (including chapel) and Lambeth Palace Road II Governor's Hall of St Thomas' Hospital Block 9 of St Thomas' Hospital Lambeth Palace Road II Medical School (West Side)

54 APPENDIX 2 –

PROPOSED CONSERVATION AREA BOUNDARY

55