I've just spotted this planning application for the old post sorting office on Devonshire Road.
"The part demolition of existing buildings to the rear of 61 Devonshire Road SE23 and the construction of part two/part three storey buildings to the rear to provide 9 residential units and 4 Artist Studios"
http://acolnet.lewisham.gov.uk/LEWIS-XSL...mkey=58521
It looks like an interesting use of the site (at first glance at least) but I suspect the lack of car parking will be a problem.
Its a shame to lose the interesting facade, but sounds like a good use for what is essentially a derelict site
Looking at the plans, the facade of this listed building (can't remember off-hand if it is English Heritage or only locally listed) is kept, just like with the swimming pool.
See designs at:
http://acolnet.lewisham.gov.uk/ACOLLATEDOCS/53715_1.pdf
Parking could well be an issue with the removal of two parking places to be replaced by on street parking. I would be surprised if it did not result in a CPZ for this end of Devonshire Road and Woodcombe Crescent. Something which may be inevitable according to some other postings on this site.
It is sometimes a difficult balance between making good use of an old building and the needs of the neighbours. I would be interested to hear other views, particularly from neighbours, so that I can develop a response from the Forest Hill Society.
As well as the front of the building I believe the post box is listed as well. Seem to recall both Edward the Seventh ( Him of the Entente Cordial ) when not many were built.
These token arts studio's are , in my opinion , only to get palnning permission. This has always been a commercial site and should remain so.
Have all the token workshops in The Print House been sold and are they being used for the original purpose?
Brian, the conversion of the old Print Works at 118 Stanstead Road to artists' studios has just been completed, and most studios have already been rented by local artists. I think it is a great addition to the area, matching Havelock Walk, and that the area could support more of them in Devonshire Road, so I hope those are genuine too!
Stanstead Road studios:
http://www.whirledart.co.uk/studios/forest-hill
Jane
I humbly apologise. I did not realise and this is good news.
No need for apologies, Brian - but yes it is really good news for the area!
Living in Devonshire Road and seeing the dereliction of the site most residents welcome this historic building being brought back into use and providing much needed residential and work accommodation. The comments about the parking spaces are irrelevant as most residents know the biggest problems are from commuter parkers and the various congregational meeting places in the Forest Hill town centre area. The facde cannot be altered and the building works will be to the rear of the building which will not be visible from the road unlike the horrendous development which took place at Waller's Yard.
I note with interest that the developers are the Black Ant Company [TBAC] - also known as Billsop Ltd and/or Doy Limited - the same lot that built the Bird in Hand Mews development.
I wonder if they will do the same renegging on promises, cutting of corners and bending of rules that they did during the construction of Bird in Hand Mews?
I think Brian was referring to one of the sites on Dartmouth Road, backing onto the railway line.
I get confused as to which one is which but Phoenix Works (the one which is still a building site?) has recently put in a new planning application removing the live/work units and increasing the number of residential units - see Phoenix Works thread.
One of the completed residential units along that stretch of the railway (former Crown Graphics site?) does have some live/work units but I don't know if they've been sold.
The site Jane is referring to off Stanstead Road just contains artists' studios for rent, not live/work units.
yes i was refering to the old Crown Graphics site
Massive sign up on the building now for Freehold enquiries.
...and car parking spaces?!
Hi, I've noticed recently that the old post office has now been sold. I don't suppose anybody knows who may have bought it?
Thanks
Hello all!
Just wondered if anyone knows what's happening with the old Post Office on Devonshire Road? There seems to be some work started again there, which is quite exciting to see. Are they perhaps turning this into flats? Fingers crossed they will be keeping the beautiful old Victorian facade!!!
The work that is being undertaken will be in line with the planning permission given in 2010:
http://acolnet.lewisham.gov.uk/LEWIS-XSL...mkey=58521
[quote]The alteration and conversion of the former Postal Sorting Office, 61 Devonshire Road SE23 to create 5 self-contained flats and 4 Class B1 Business units, including the excavation of a new lightwell / courtyard and part basement at the rear, the demolition of existing buildings at the rear of the site and the construction of a part single/part two/part three storey building, including rear terraces to provide 4 two-bedroom houses and the construction of a single-storey Class B1 Business unit in the central courtyard, plus new soft and hard landscaping on the front forecourt./quote]
That's quite a few new homes and quite as few new artists studios or similar small businesses.
From what I can make out on the plans, they seem to be keeping it. I really hope they do a good job - it'll be a real asset to the road if restored carefully.
Also, they seem to have started demolition of the two derelict Victorian properties on Tyson road - is that being discussed anywhere else on here? Assume they have not got permission to clear the land behind yet?
Also, they seem to have started demolition of the two derelict Victorian properties on Tyson road - is that being discussed anywhere else on here? Assume they have not got permission to clear the land behind yet?
I believe this might be the thread you are looking for:
http://www.se23.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=380