SE23.com - The Official Forum for Forest Hill & Honor Oak, London SE23
Online since 2002   11,000+ members   72,000+ posts

Home | SE23 Topics | Businesses & Services | Wider Topics | Offered/Wanted/Lost/Found | About SE23.com | Advertising | Contact | |
 Armstrong & Co Solicitors



Post Reply  Post Topic 
Experience with Lewisham Planning?
Author Message
armadillo


Posts: 7
Joined: Aug 2010
Post: #1
24-06-2015 11:57 AM

Hi, has anyone had any recent experience with getting a planning application through Lewisham Council?

I made an application for a small rear extension at the beginning of last December, and nearly 7 months we are still pending an initial decision one way or another. We're actually a few days shy of being 5 months past the councils own Target Decision Date.

I was just wondering if these timelines seem consistent with other peoples experiences?

Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
John Daker


Posts: 47
Joined: Apr 2015
Post: #2
24-06-2015 12:09 PM

Have you discussed this with the case officer? Have they indicated why no decision has been made?

Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
armadillo


Posts: 7
Joined: Aug 2010
Post: #3
24-06-2015 12:23 PM

Yes, and there seem to be no specific reason other that it just seems to be moving really slowly through the process. Mind you, my first two case officers have subsequently left the council - say maybe the next one will have something different to say.

Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
John Daker


Posts: 47
Joined: Apr 2015
Post: #4
24-06-2015 01:02 PM

Any objections?

Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
armadillo


Posts: 7
Joined: Aug 2010
Post: #5
24-06-2015 01:41 PM

Nope. The last case officer stated that he was minded to recommend approval - but that was over a month ago.

Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Cllr Paul Upex


Posts: 41
Joined: Jan 2014
Post: #6
24-06-2015 02:38 PM

John

Please email me the details at cllr_paul.upex@lewisham.gov.uk and I will see what I can do to help

thanks

Paul

This post was last modified: 24-06-2015 02:39 PM by Cllr Paul Upex.

Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Erekose


Posts: 557
Joined: May 2010
Post: #7
24-06-2015 09:52 PM

You can appeal on the grounds of non determination but it would be best to try and jolly them along if you can. I don't find Lewisham particularly poor especially in comparison to Tower Hamlets.

Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
sydenhamcentral


Posts: 269
Joined: Mar 2008
Post: #8
25-06-2015 10:12 AM

Are you sure you need planning?

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permiss...xtensions/

Single story extensions of a certain size fall under permitted development. Generally, planning can be very inconsistent. I've had all sorts of problems with planners.

The issue with most councils at present is that their planning departments are woefully understaffed. There are a few brilliant officers in Lewisham planning who hopefully are thill there, and some pretty rubbish ones who hopefully still aren't.

Good luck.

Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Londondrz


Posts: 1,538
Joined: Apr 2006
Post: #9
25-06-2015 10:28 AM

The planning dept seem to be very understaffed. I made an appointment to see them when we were looking at building, met the planner and found that following a face to face meeting we were able to do things much easier.

Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply

Friends of Blythe Hill Fields


Possibly Related Topics ...
Topic: Author Replies: Views: Last Post
  Public Consultation on Lewisham Planning Policy Tim Lund 2 5,263 12-02-2013 08:53 AM
Last Post: Tim Lund
  Lewisham Planning - poor judgement Theotherbrian 2 4,529 14-10-2010 11:11 AM
Last Post: blushingsnail
  Lewisham planning policy baggydave 10 14,389 11-11-2008 10:14 PM
Last Post: baggydave