Proposals to build hundreds of homes and a new London Fire Brigade museum in Lambeth are due to go to a planning committee next week.  

Developer U + I, in partnership with the London Fire Commissioner (LFC), wants to build 443 flats, a 200–room hotel, to revamp Lambeth Fire Station to make it “fit for purpose” and build a new LFB museum at 8 Albert Embankment. 

The developers originally planned to build 417 flats but increased the number of homes by 26, adding only two more that are shared ownership – in total 58 -and none that are affordable, which remains at 90.  

A gym, office space, shops and a restaurant are also planned for the site.  

“Overall, the proposed development will secure the long overdue regeneration and revitalisation of an important site as identified within the London Plan, Lambeth Local Plan, Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea (VNEB) OAPF and Vauxhall SPG.  

“It will realise LFB’s objective of providing a modern fire station and new LFB Museum, supporting the local area as a growing destination for arts and culture, whilst also sustaining and enhancing heritage assets and safeguarding their long-term future,” according to the planning statement.

The site houses LFB’s former headquarters, which was opened in July 1937 in advance of World War II to replace the old headquarters in Southwark.

The museum moved to Winchester House in Southwark in 1966 until September 2015 in preparation for its intended move back to the Lambeth site but the opening has been delayed by refused development applications. 

Today, Lambeth Fire Station – which would be extended if the plans go ahead – has five usable bays, with training facilities. 

The proposed development has so far received 273 objections and 281 comments of support.

Residents have raised concerns about two towers, one 26 storeys and the other 24, that are planned for the site.

One commented: “The proposed heights of the buildings are completely contradictory to the heights of building in the surrounding area.”

As well as this, concerns were raised about a loss of heritage to the area, natural light reduction for nearby residents, an increase in traffic and pollution, and the lack of need for a hotel in the area with “two very close by”.

Those supporting the plans backed the fire station upgrade and a new LFB museum, while a number said the development would be a “positive move for Albert Embankment”.