From 2006 to 2010, I was a councillor for Lee Green ward in the London Borough of Lewisham. During that time, I blogged regularly and in 2009 I won the Tim Garden Award for the Best Blog by a Liberal Democrat Holding Public Office. My blog posts from my term of office are archived here in case they prove of use to former constituents, or to those who share my annoyance with faulty street furniture
Just back from chairing the public meeting on the Pitfold Close planning application. A packed meeting, full of residents who are very concerned about the plans. It’s always tricky to chair these meetings when feelings are running high, so I hope everyone felt they got a fair chance to have their say.
A few points I’d make to those who are concerned about the application:
- Though the deadline for comments has passed, you can still submit comments and objections to the Council. Email planning {at} lewisham.gov(.)uk quoting ref DC/09/72208. The sooner the better, though, as you ideally want them to reach the planning officer before she writes her report
- Secondly, it’s really important to make points with reference to the Council’s planning policies, as set out in the UDP - for now, the key planning document; and the London Plan.
From now, the planning officer will be writing her report, weighing up the cases made by residents and the developer and deciding whether to recommend that the Council planning committee approve or reject the plans. The committee of councillors will make a decision taking into account the officer’s recommendation.
I’ve said I’m happy to speak on residents’ behalf at the planning committee, and they also get to nominate one person to speak on their behalf. Residents who’ve submitted an objection will be written to about a week before the meeting so they can attend – and I’d encourage as many residents as possible to do so – this shows the strength of feeling.
In the meantime, I’ve submitted my objection and am happy to offer any help or advice I can to residents.
