marymck
11 Jan '20
The planning application is now live, with a closing date for for comments of 31 Jan.
The planning section of Lewisham’s website will be closed for maintenance on Mon 13 and Tues 14 Jan.
Archived on 6/5/2022
Lammas Green/Sydenham Hill Estate Redevelopment
marymck
24 Feb '20
Just a bump, because this Planning Application is stil “live” and the Council is still accepting comments …
The City of London Corporation (CoL) has submitted a planning application to demolish parts of the Sydenham Hill Estate at the very top of the Sydenham Hill Ridge and build instead high density, urban style blocks of flats that will tower over the tree tops and dominate the skyline.
The Estate is currently made up of three parts: Lammas Green, Otto Close and Mais House.
Lammas Green is a shining example of post-war development at its best. 27 terraced, two storey houses, all with private back gardens and fronting onto a village green of airy beauty. On the uphill side of the green, two low rise blocks of flats were built at the same time, designed to provide a buffer from the roadway.
Otto Close and Mais House were added in the 1970s. Otto Close offers family-sized maisonettes, opening onto a communal garden and adjacent Mais House sheltered housing for 62 elderly residents.
Five years ago the CoL decided to close Mais House and “decant” its residents. Initially CoL said they would refurbish the building and promised residents they could choose to return. But since then Lewisham Council has claimed there is an over-supply of sheltered housing in our part of the Borough. Now CoL intends to demolish Mais House and build the high density, high rise, general housing development that will see the estate, the Ridge and Sydenham change forever. Sheltered housing will not be reinstated.
No one disputes the need for more housing. But what is proposed is a clear case of over development. Sydenham Society is supporting residents in calling for a co-design approach and would like the CoL to work with the community on a design that works for all.
Mais House should enjoy the highest level of protection. It is in a Conservation Area. It is adjacent to Grade II Listed Lammas Green and the locally listed Castlebar care home. Lewisham’s Core Strategy is to protect the wooded skyline of the Ridge.
If tower blocks can be built despite this level of protection, they can be built anywhere – no matter how unsuitable a site.
CoL’s post-war vision in a leaflet given to early residents:
“The lower density was deliberately chosen so as to establish conditions under which a community with its own life and identity might be able to grow and flourish.”
The residents would like to see that vision suffuse any future plans for the estate.
You can view and comment on the current application online at www.lewisham.gov.uk
Search under Application No. DC/20/115160
You can also email your comments to: planning@Lewisham.gov.uk
Or you can write to:
David Robinson, Planning Service. 3rd Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London, SE6 4RU
For your comments to be considered you must include:
Application No. DC/20/115160, your name and address, date of comment
The residents have started an online petition here: