A developer has applied for planning permission to build 26 flats to the rear of Pitfold Close.  This would be acheived by demolishing two existing houses on the Close to create an access road through to some land to the rear of the close that’s actually in London Borough of Greenwich.  I’ve set up a short-link to the plans at www.tinyurl.com/pitfoldclose

I’ve been talking to residents since we first became aware that an application was likely back in July.  The application’s now gone in and I met again with residents on the Close last weekend.  There’s a lot of concern about the affect the development will have on the Close – particularly difficulties it’ll cause with parking and access, and a feeling that the proposed development isn’t in character.  Looking at the plans, I’m also concerned about the quality of life for those who might end up living in the proposed development – which will be 2 and 3 bed flats – they aren’t going to have much in the way of open space, and  it’s quite out of the way for those without their own public transport.

I’ve now written to the Council to oppose the application.  I understand that as of Friday, some 24 objections had been received and that the Council is likely to hold a public meeting to discuss these before the application goes to a planning committee.  The application’s complicated by the fact that some of the land is in Greenwich – so that Council’s also consulting on the application – but as the majority of the land is in Lewisham, our Council is the lead authority.

Please do feel free to copy me into any comments you have on the application.  Comments need to reach planning {at} lewisham.gov(.)uk by Thursday 10th September, and please mention ref DC/09/72208.