Wandering slightly off topic..

If I remember correctly, this application was originally denied, as was the application to demolish the Red Cross and Pizza Hut down the road. However, they have both now been approved.

Planning Applications for 6-8 London Road Pizza Hut / Red Cross
DC/07/66608 10/08/07 New Construction. The substantial demolition of 6-8 London Road SE23 and construction of a part single/part three/part four storey building, plus basement, retaining the existing shop front and entrance lobby to No.6 and incorporating balconies / terraces, comprising a retail unit on the ground floor / basement and 5, one bedroom, self-contained flats above.
DC/07/66609 10/08/07 Substantial Demolition
DC/07/65667/FT 18/05/07 Demolition
DC/07/65320/X 18/05/07 New Construction. The construction of a single storey extension to the rear of 6-8 London Road SE23 and additional storeys at first, second and third floor levels, incorporating balconies/terraces, to provide 5, one bedroom, self-contained flats, together with alterations to the shop front at No. 8.
DC/07/65321/X 04/04/07 Demolition

Looks like the new shop will be a single unit, so we'll lose either the Red Cross or Pizza Hut.

Planning Applications for 26-28 London Rd McDonalds
DC/07/65752 25/05/07 Demolition of first floor
DC/07/65749/FT 25/05/07 New Construction. The construction of three additional storeys at first, second and third floor levels incorporating balconies and roof terraces, above the commercial shop units at 26-28 London Road SE23, together with a four-storey extension to the side, to provide 2 one bedroom and 7 two bedroom, self-contained flats, the installation of new shop fronts, alterations to the elevations and provision of 8 cycle spaces and bin stores.


The original plans for McDonalds were similar to the apartments above Sainsbury's, however the approved plans show a flat roofed building.

Why would they would want to keep the ground floor and basement, or is this some conservation area ruse?

You could, of course, rent the McDonalds premises for ?85,000 pa while work is going on