I know I did go on a bit.
It's a thread just for the very very keen!

The bottom line of our argument was that the council themselves have created conservation areas and the policies that protect, preserve and enhance them. We realised that we could only argue using their policies, not our own opinions.

For instance here's 2 parts of policies:

URB 16 New Development, Changes of Use and Alterations to Buildings in Conservation Areas
The Council, having paid special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the special architectural or historic character or appearance of its Conservation Areas, will not grant planning permission or Conservation Area Consent where:
(a) new development, or alterations and extensions to existing buildings is incompatible with the special characteristics of the area, its buildings, spaces, settings and plot coverage, scale, form and materials; and
In carrying out this Policy the Council will:
(e) encourage or require as appropriate the retention and reinstatement of building features and landscaping features such as front gardens and boundary walls, important to an area?s character or appearance,

HSG 8 Backland and In-fill Development
Backland and in-fill development will be permitted provided the following criteria are met:
(b) the scheme must respect the character of the area, including the cumulative impact;
© the scheme must be particularly sensitively designed;

And then there was the Conservation Officer whose attitude was if it's covered in black glass it'll reflect everything around it so it's ok.

Given that this particular building in this particular area has difficulty meeting these (and other) criteria, its approval renders Conservation Area Policy in Lewisham meaningless.

It also sets a precedent which can be used across the borough.