My big ongoing interest with this is a simple one.
IF they are saved and retained, in their current form. Who is paying for them to be maintained from here on in?
I certainly do not want to see a simple bland building replacing something I have grown up looking at. But at the same time, being realistic, demanding that SGN maintain the site as it stands, at their own expense is surely ludicrous?
There is a happy medium in there somewhere, a development of sorts, with a nod to its heritage. However expecting the site to remain as it is is aiming a bit high I think.
Indeed, and to be fair, I don't think there is any question that it will remain. From what I have seen of the plans, it is very much about the holders and adjacent pipe work.
Not only does the building need to be saved but also as important, is the war memorial in front of the building which can only be described as a truly beautiful way of remembering all those who gave their lives to serve this Country. Please take a minute to have a look at the link.
Lewisham Council have now allowed demolition of the gas holders to go ahead.
Quote:
The London Borough of Lewisham has considered the proposal as to whether the prior approval of the authority will be required for the method of demolition and any proposed restoration of the site, in accordance with Part 11 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015.
This Council determines that such prior approval IS NOT REQUIRED for the proposed development specified in the schedule below.
The Council has considered the method of demolition is ACCEPTABLE in accordance with the details submitted.
TAKE NOTICE that the proposed development shall be carried out in accordance with the details submitted with the application.
Notification of major gas works: Dismantling Sydenham’s redundant gas holder
As you may already be aware, we will be starting a programme of work to dismantle Sydenham’s redundant gas holder. I would like to provide you with the following brief introduction to the project and some key information you may find useful.
The reason for dismantling gas holders
Major investment into gas distribution has resulted in changes to the way we now store gas. Gas previously stored in holder tanks is now more efficiently stored underground in the gas pipe network.
The majority of holders in the UK are no longer operational, their ageing structures continue to require significant maintenance to keep them in a safe and visually acceptable condition - it’s not a sustainable option to maintain these redundant structures long term.
From an environmental perspective, we are keen to see the land the holders occupy regenerated to provide a benefit to the community in the future.
What work is involved?
We will be taking the holder structure down and leaving the ground where it currently sits level, there are no plans to excavate the land beneath.
We have carefully appointed specialist contractors Keltbray Group whose priorities are to deliver this project safely with minimum impact to the local community.
Noise, odour and dust levels will be closely monitored, with appropriate suppression systems in place wherever possible.
Programme timeline
Start: Monday 7 January 2019
Complete: 11 months
Hours of work: Monday – Friday 8am to 6pm (contractors may be on site from 7am setting up), Saturday mornings as required.
There is no planned requirement for weekend work
Capturing local history
We appreciate that to many these industrial structures represent a visual reminder of your local town’s history. As part of the wider dismantling programme, we are committed to working closely with communities to ensure the history of your holder is captured for future generations to learn from. Phase 1 of the historic building recording report has been prepared and a copy provided to the Council and Phase 2 of the report will be completed during the dismantling phase of the project.
Please share this information with anyone you think may be impacted by our work.