Planning permission has now been granted for a new building which will just about fit into the existing streetscape.

Planning officers had wanted an modern block between two early 1900s houses (see post from May last year). The Forest Hill Society and neighbours felt that this did not respect the character of the surrounding buildings.

After explaining our concerns to the architect and meeting with them, they produced a plan that we felt was much more acceptable and brought housing back onto this site (including units suitable for families).

Planning officers recommended rejecting this plan and all the aspects that they were willing to overlook on a modern building became of concern to them in this proposal. Fortunately the planning committee did not agree with officers, and with a few helpful words from Cllr Paschoud speaking as the ward councillor, they unanimously approved the latest designs, which had been supported by the Forest Hill Society.

You can view the documents at http://planning.lewisham.gov.uk/online-a...CAPR_68611