Lewisham Council Postpones Decision on Controversial Blackheath Housing Development
Lewisham Council has deferred a crucial decision on a highly contentious proposal to construct 45 new homes at Blackheath station car park in south London. The plans, which have attracted significant public and media attention, face strong opposition from a coalition of campaigners including prominent celebrities such as actors Jude Law and Dominic Cooper.
Celebrity-Led Campaign Against "Overbearing" Design
In an open letter addressed to the council, the campaigners, which also include broadcaster Jools Holland, musician Manfred Mann, and actress Sarah Hadland from Miranda, have voiced serious concerns about the development's design and potential impact. They argue that the proposed buildings represent an "overbearing, unsympathetic design" that would "destroy rather than improve" the neighbourhood, potentially ruining its "unique character."
The letter states: "We are fortunate to have lived, worked or studied in Blackheath, one of the most historic and beautiful corners of London. But we are deeply concerned by the threat to the harmony, attractiveness, and economy of Blackheath village by Acorn's plans to build three large blocks of dwellings on the station car park."
Development Details and Local Concerns
Submitted by the Acorn Property Group, the application proposes constructing 25 flats within a four-storey and a five-storey block, alongside a terrace of 20 three-storey townhouses. According to council documents, the site currently hosts a popular farmers' market every Sunday, a feature that campaigners fear could be compromised.
The opposition letter highlights specific worries about the development's economic impact: "The dramatic loss of parking and the uncertainty around the future of a farmers' market which will be partly shoehorned into a narrow strip of the car park, threaten the viability of the independent shops in the already-struggling village. Blackheath will become a ghost village."
Council Committee Seeks Further Clarification
During a meeting on Tuesday evening, Lewisham Council's planning committee opted to defer the decision to allow for the gathering of additional information. Key areas requiring further investigation include:
- Parking arrangements and capacity
- Impact on local commercial activity and businesses
- Access arrangements, particularly for emergency services
Councillor James Rathbone, speaking at the meeting, described the application as "extremely controversial" and noted it had generated a "huge level of public interest." He remarked: "It's certainly attracted more press interest than practically anything else which has occurred at this council in my seven-and-three-quarters' years on the council, and I think it's important we can turn around to the thousands of people who've commented on this application, far more than I've ever seen on any other planning application, and be able to give them reassurance that we did cross all the Ts and dot all the Is."
Planning Officer's Recommendation and Next Steps
Despite the widespread opposition, a council planning officer has recommended approval of the Acorn Property Group's plans, subject to 43 specific conditions. This recommendation adds another layer of complexity to the decision-making process, highlighting the tension between development objectives and community preservation.
The planning committee is scheduled to reconvene on February 12 at 7pm to reconsider the application with the additional information requested. This delay provides both supporters and opponents of the development with further opportunity to present their cases, ensuring that all aspects of this significant local issue are thoroughly examined before a final determination is made.
