jgdoherty,
You make some valid points and it would be nice if there was a more consensual approach to planning applications, but that is not the way it works. There have been 131 objections so far to this application, mainly from direct neighbours adjacent to and backing on to this site. That does not necessarily mean the FH Society needs to back them, but our conclusion was that this will have a significant negative impact on the amenity of neighbours, not because we object to pizza delivery business, but to the scale of the operation and the specific concerns regarding the use of up to eight mopeds in the evenings.

We spoke to residents affected by this development to better understand the impact of this application. And I must admit that it was only after these exchanges that I personally appreciated the specific concerns from this application. At present the entrance to this private lane is gated outside normal working hours for the security of the businesses and residents in the lane. The shape and hard surfaces in this lane amplify noise, so mopeds starting up every 2 minutes will have an impact on these residents and those backing onto this lane.

If the mopeds were able to be stored on the South Circular this objection probably would not be valid, but that is not possible on a Red Route with no parking in close proximity, other than behind the gated entrance to the lane. In the case of the application at the Old Bank site it was the impact of moped and the concerns about parking that led to the council officers, who are 'suitably empowered to consult on specific issues associated with proposals', rejecting the application and this was upheld by the planning inspector. Much the same issues apply in this case and residents deserve the same consideration, even if they live close to the A205, rather than the B238.

Beyond these critical concerns you are correct, that the Forest Hill Society should welcome new businesses to the area whether they be take aways, supermarkets, bars, churches, or most other businesses. This is the reason that our objection to the supermarket in Honor Oak Park was not about including a supermarket - it was minor issues with the residential units above, that have, in the main, been addressed in revisions by the developer. Having received the objection to 120 Stanstead Road, it is perfectly reasonable for the applicant to adjust their plans to make them more acceptable for local residents.

One final point I will make is that we deliberately publish the contents of planning objections (or approvals) by the Forest Hill Society, and refer to them if there is an appropriate thread on SE23.com, so that members and other local residents can make their own decisions and submit their own views on the application. It will continue to be the responsibility of council officers, elected councillors, or even the planning inspector to decide what is the 'best fit' for the site.