Lewisham Council defers Blackheath Station homes plan

Lewisham Council's Planning Committee deferred a decision on proposals to build 45 homes on Blackheath Station's car park. The scheme, put forward by Acorn Property Group, has faced significant opposition, with over 2,000 objections submitted by residents and local groups.

Concerns over farmers' market and area identity

A primary concern raised by objectors is the potential loss of the Blackheath Farmers' Market. Keith Bennett of Chiltern Farm Foods, a trader at the market for 25 years, stated that he cannot foresee a future for the market if planning permission is granted under current proposals. He expressed fears that the market's disappearance would also mean the loss of long-standing community friendships.

Acorn Property Group claims its plans will provide a permanent, purpose-built home for the market, capable of accommodating up to 40 stalls. However, Mr Bennett disputes this, arguing the proposed space would be insufficient for existing stalls and potentially unsafe for emergency vehicle access. Acorn has stated there will be a clear emergency route allowing access without moving stalls, with two stalls to be moved only for an emergency vehicle's exit. Mark Handley, Director of London Farmers' Markets, indicated that the current plans offer the market a "much improved and viable new home for the future."

The proposals involve redeveloping the car park, reducing the number of spaces from 162 to 17. The development would include 20 terraced homes and 25 flats across two blocks, standing four and five storeys tall. Eight of the homes are designated for individuals on Lewisham's housing waiting list.

Impact on visitors and community value

Campaigners, including The Blackheath Society, have highlighted potential impacts on visitor numbers. An independent study by The Blackheath Society found that 58.3 per cent of visitors arriving by car indicated they would visit less often or stop visiting if parking was reduced. The society also noted that 97.6 per cent of visitors engage in more than one activity when visiting Blackheath Village.

In August, the entire car park area was designated an Asset of Community Value (ACV) by Lewisham Council. This designation provides additional protections during redevelopment and grants community groups a six-month window to bid for the site if it comes to market. David Curtis, who submitted the ACV listing, believes this will increase the importance of the farmers' market in planning considerations.

Concerns regarding school and design

The development has also drawn objections from John Ball Primary School, with over 300 pupils, parents, and teachers signing an open letter. Concerns were raised about the development overlooking school playgrounds and classrooms, posing risks to children and compromising privacy. Actors Jude Law and Dominic Cooper, former pupils of the school, have publicly opposed the development, describing it as "oversized" and "inconsiderate."

Acorn Property Group stated that advice was sought from the Met Police's Secured by Design officer during the design phase. The police reportedly raised no concerns about the school when consulted by Lewisham Council, with police design guidance generally viewing overlooking from neighbouring homes as a safety benefit due to natural surveillance.

The scheme was initially deferred by Lewisham Council's Planning Committee in January due to criticism from campaigners. At that time, the plans had attracted 1,202 objections. The number of objections has since risen to 2,025, with 830 supporting comments also submitted.

Next steps

A new date for the Planning Committee to reconsider the proposals has not yet been confirmed. The Blackheath Society continues to challenge new reports submitted by Acorn Property Group relating to economic impact, parking, and market management.