Objection to the development & environmental damage to Sydenham Estate DC/20/115160

Objection to the development & environmental damage to Sydenham Estate DC/20/115160

Started
15 January 2020
Petition to
planning@lewisham.gov.uk (David Robinson)
Signatures: 381Next Goal: 500
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Why this petition matters

Started by Merrin Hunt

Problem

We are long standing residents of Lewisham who have an intimate knowledge of living in this area, but the City of London (CoL) did not listen to the resident led steering group, local residents, and concerns on the environment and density of the build. The current Mais house building stands on a conservation area, and the CoL have ignored this fact and the important wildlife corridor it sits in. Along with the impact a large number of new residents would have on the already limited infrastructure.

This would result in the area having up to an extra 550 residents and the loss of Otto Close's community green space. All residents understand the need for social housing and support a redevelopment (or refurbishing Mais house). What we disagree with is the size of this proposal. We feel our reasonable objections to scale down this development have not been taken into consideration.

The current proposal is to build on so-called underused open-space, garages, parking areas and storage facilities. The Otto Close community green space would be built on with the loss of up to 20 trees. This loss of would affect the rich diverse habitats used by the wildlife. This new development, at a height of seven stories, on this quiet residential space would not be in keeping with the surrounding areas and would tower over existing properties on Otto Close, Lammas Green, Kirkdale, Castle Bar and Rose Court. There would be a complete loss of usable green space. Parking would also be an issue on the surrounding roads and make it even more dangerous for pedestrians.

Solution

Unfortunately the Col adhered to such an inflexible approach, the residents have had to adopt an opposition stance to this development. We tried hard to work in conjunction, stating that a smaller development that understood the needs of residents and would take into account this important wildlife corridor where repeatedly ignored and dismissed. They missed a golden opportunity to work in partnership with local residents.
BUT IT'S NOT TOO LATE.
We need an effective steering group to work in partnership with CoL that would work towards;

Co-designing a smaller development.

No extension to the current footprint or impact on the environment, including loss of trees.

Urgency

Objections to these plans close on January the 31st 2020. We are left with very little time to voice our objections, please sign today and have your voice heard. Objections can also be done in writing to (planning@lewisham.gov.uk include your name, address, date and application number DC/20/115160).

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Signatures: 381Next Goal: 500
Support now
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Decision-Makers

  • planning@lewisham.gov.uk David Robinson