Stefan: the problem with that plot of land is its relationship to the neighbouring buildings. They're far back from the road and the last house in Westbourne Drive has windows on the side: any new building would block these windows and block the light to the small cottage on Perry Vale. Also, there used to be something called a 'building line' which meant that a new building couldn't be closer to the pavement than the neighbouring buildings. I don't think this is adhered to any more (or at least not strictly) but if you look at the plot you'll see that it would be impossible to build something in line with either of the end buildings on Perry Vale or Westbourne Drive. If something were built that was an acceptable distance from the neighbouring houses, it would almost be up to the pavement and that would be out of character with nearby properties.

There's also the issue of the two dolls' house cottages being listed buildings: a new development shouldn't detract from their appearance (which probably explains why the newish house between the cottages and the school playground was built in a similar style to the cottages).

Looking through Lewisham's planning website there have been a number of planning applications for this site over the years, all rejected. The last one was for a one-storey house and even that was rejected.

(I should note that I have no professional experience in these matters and I'm just basing my thoughts on informed common sense. So don't be surprised if I'm talking complete rubbish and Lewisham gives the go-ahead for a 4 storey block of flats!)