Minutes:
Planning Verbal Update and Q&A
Emma Talbot, Director of Planning gave a short verbal update and referred those present to the written Community Updates available from the sign-in desk. If you would like a copy, please email sara.wickert@lewisham.gov.uk
Our Lady and St Philip Neri School
The Council are about to embark on a formal Public Inquiry process, and are waiting to be notified by the Planning Inspectorate of the start date. Residents who have objected to the development will be notified of the Inquiry. Emma noted that it is highly unusual for a local authority to find themselves in this position over development of a school, and that costs could potentially be awarded against either party. The council are fully committed to pursuing the case.
In response to suggestions that the council are responsible for the currently situation, it was noted that the council have followed guidance requiring them to cooperate with developers and try to find agreed solutions. Councils are expected to use enforcement only as a last resort.
New Local Plan
The proposed new Local Plan was presented to Sustainable Development Select Committee on 21 January, and will go to Mayor and Cabinet for agreement on 11th March. There will then be a period of consultation this Spring. The Plan has been designed to take into account the housing challenge and needs for other types of development within the borough. When formally approved, it will provide the framework for all development in the borough for the next 5 years.
Responses to questions on this item:
Regarding the proposal to turn the former Co-op into a gym, this has only just been received by the council. There is an opportunity to make objections by visiting the council’s Planning portal on our website at www.lewisham.gov.uk/planning . Anyone who raises and objection through this process and provides their contact details will receive updates from Planning on the case.
The Local Plan is produced in accordance with National Guidance which also sets out the processes including for consultation. Our new Local Plan has been developed by a dedicated team of planners who try to get the best outcomes for local people and reflect their views as far as possible within a framework set nationally. The council does not have complete control over what is built. Council decisions may be overruled by Planning Inspectorate.
Mais House development
In response to questions about why this development is proposed on Sydenham Ridge, it was noted that this proposed development is still open for objections and the council will be required to take account of any objections. There will not be ballots as these are used with estate redevelopment which operates under different rules.
Due to the number of houses we now need to build, we are having to consider all possible sites.
Bell Green Master Plan
This is being developed by the community, the council are supportive of this initiative. We are hopeful that this Masterplan will be positive for our efforts to get the Bakerloo extended to Lower Sydenham. There is a display on the Masterplan at Forest Hill Library, and this will shortly be showing at Sydenham Library. There will be feedback forms for people to comment after viewing the exhibition.
For more information on the Masterplan exhibition, contact The Sydenham Society at chair@sydenhamsociety.com or laura.luckhurst@lewisham.gov.uk .
Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ)
Resident Tom Sutcliffe spoke against the proposal to consult on a CPZ in Sydenham. He encouraged people to email Damien Egan, Mayor of London, or to contact him tomsutcliffe@gmail.com if they agree.
It was noted that the council were proposing to consult on a scheme in response to a high level of demand from local residents, and that this issue is well known for being divisive. It was agreed to place the topic on the agenda of the next meeting. This will be on Saturday 21 March at the Sydenham Centre. (Please note this meeting has had to be postponed due to Coronavirus).