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There’s always some kind of controversy going on in London. Sometimes it’s over smaller things like a Pret sandwich or a university logo, but often there’s fierce debate between Londoners and authorities over much larger stuff, such as a brand new building on Southbank, Brick Lane development plans or a massive regeneration of Canada Water.
One of the latest disputes in the city is over a new development proposed for Blackheath. Locals in the southeast London neighbourhood have launched a campaign against plans to build on part of its Conservation Area. It’s even got Hollywood actors involved.
Whether you’re personally invested in the plans or just curious to see what all the drama’s about, here’s everything you should know about the Blackheath Station development and why it’s controversial.
What is the Blackheath Station development?
Developers want to build 45 new homes on Blackheath Station’s car park. The proposal, submitted by development firm Acorn back in March, consists of 20 terraced homes and 25 flats across three blocks ranging between three and five storeys. It means that the car park would diminish from 162 parking spaces to just 17.
Acorn said in a statement: ‘Through sensitive heritage-led design and a highly sustainable redevelopment approach, the proposals are wholly in line with national, London and local planning policies that promote increased housing supply in response to the urgent need for new homes.’
Why is it controversial?
More than 600 objections to the plan have been recorded, according to Lewisham Council’s planning portal. There are just 14 in support.
The main issue is the size and look of the proposed buildings. Locals argue that the plans are too large and out of keeping with the character of the area and would harm the Blackheath Conservation Area, which was formed in 1968 and is one of the oldest in all of London. They add that the proposals ‘show no regard’ for the area and would overshadow the terraces on nearby Collins Street.
In a public meeting last month, locals also accused Acorn of not consulting them about any of the plans. A spokesperson for the Blackheath Society told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: ‘We in the Blackheath Society are not opposed in principle to development on the Station Car Park site.
‘However, we strongly object to the current plans, which we believe represent overdevelopment; unnecessarily compromise the amenity of neighbouring residents; are of poor and unacceptable design; and risk undermining the economic viability of Blackheath Village.’
Campaigners also fear for the future of Blackheath Farmers’ Market, which sets up at the car park every Sunday. However, the director of the market has said that the proposals do in fact offer a ‘much improved and viable new home’ with more facilities in a purpose-built market location.
What else has been said about the Blackheath Station development?
A number of high-profile people have voiced their opposition to the development. Hollywood actors Jude Law and Dominic Cooper, Chris Difford from Squeeze and former Labour MP Dame Joan Ruddock have all signed an open letter against the plans.
Jude Law said in a statement: ‘I grew up in Blackheath. My junior school was across from the site where this proposed development will take place. This plan does not answer housing needs.
‘Instead this plan will enforce a strain on a wonderful old village that deserves our protection.’
Chris Difford added: ‘This is heartbreaking – Blackheath has a skyline that is already suffocated by the horizon of Canary Wharf and the buildings in neighbouring Lewisham.
‘We must respect the beauty and freedom that the sky provides around Blackheath Village and say no to this new development.’
Did you see that the beloved Blackheath Fireworks will return in November after six years away?
Plus: New London train route Crossrail 2 will begin construction next year.
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