Koza,

I also think the building is interesting in the best way, and would welcome it's appearance in Forest Hill - any other part of Forest Hill! In general, I also think that we should not expect the area to be kept in aspic - BUT: This particular area actually is special, because it is so early, so close to it's original character, and so unusual. It seems as if the continual emphasis on preservation over imagination by certain elements in relation to other developments (well-intentioned as these have been) has led to a kind of "conservation-fatigue" for the rest of us, and this makes any conservation-based objection seem like NIMBY-ism. However, in this case, RobertLondon's report indicates that we are not dealing with a false cry of wolf, but with the genuine warning.

Additionally, it sounds as if the process has been carried out in a way which is hardly in keeping with the spirit of democracy. The attitude of the developer and architect outlined above shows a shocking disrespect for consultation procedures (not very Bilbao), and his report of the council committee meeting's lack of discussion of the points raised during the appeal shows same for local feeling, opinion and knowledge by people whose job is supposed to include paying attention to these things, not ignoring them!