Bell Green
Yet another retail park?
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I was invited to attend a meeting at Lewisham Town Hall which was a follow up to a meeting organised by the Forest Hill, Perry Vale and Sydenham Forum. It was attended by some 400 persons (of these localities) and several Councillors, to discuss various topics, the main one being the development of the former Bell Green gas works site. Phase II of this proposal is the building of business, industrial, or warehouse units of 10,644 sq.m; non-food retail units and an associated garden centre of 13,517 sq.m; a restaurant of 316 sq.m.; the use of Livesey Memorial Hall as a social club; and associated landscaping, highway improvements and 598 additional car parking spaces. After discussion with Pat Trembath, (Chair of the Sydenham Society), it was decided to write to the Mayor of London regarding the concerns of the residents of Sydenham and Forest Hill. |
| The entrance to the Crystal Palace district gas company as it would have looked in 1854 | |
At the meeting, many objections were raised by those who attended. Geraldine Cox, Chair of the Local Traders in Sydenham, put the strongest case, explaining that the area is already well served by DIY stores (Wickes at Catford and two Homebase stores at Peter Pan Pond and Penge). Sydenham town centre also has two local DIY shops with helpful, caring and knowledgeable staff, as well as an excellent plumbers’ merchant. She explained that all these local trades people are already struggling to make a living and this new project at Bell Green will only make matters worse for them. Another objector explained that traffic congestion in Sydenham and Forest Hill was already a problem, and the additional traffic that this proposed project would create would only make matters worse. However, after due consideration, the Council decided to accept the plans submitted by the contractors of this project. We are delighted to report that the planning application has been called in by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for a public inquiry. This is likely to take place in summer 2006. The Sydenham Society is leading the drive to raise funds to cover the legal costs that will be incurred in ensuring the community;s case is properly presented. We will keep you informed. Bill Daniels |
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