As I said in my response I am certain that the society is sufficiently principled as to endeavour to adhere to its Articles and maintain such an objective view as can be defined in these sets of circumstances.

It is encouraging to know that the society consulted with neighbours and it is very informative to know that there exists such a substantive body of objectors. It will oblige Lewisham's Planning Officer to analyse and to take full cognisance of those objections that validly apply to this proposal and to apply proper weight to them, not least of all because of the volume, in the considerations that must be made for inclusion in the Planning Report to members.

Whilst Michael and I may have to agree to disagree on what may be the best and thereby most effective approach for a civic society to adopt in the consultation phases of the planning process, it is de facto the case that Lewisham has frequently acknowledged issues raised in the society's reports, given them due cognisance and has incorporated caveats in conditions attached to planning consents. On balance this in itself underlines the merits and qualities of these reports.

I would return to Michael's point on noise and its amplification in the lane. It would be entirely reasonable for the society to effectively apply proper pressure on Domino's Pizza to undertake to deploy Electric Zero Emission Scooters at this location. This would be attractive to the company as at a stroke it would validate its environmental credentials and negate any concerns on the part of neighbours about the importation of additional noise into the lane as the vehicles start and run virtually silently. It might be argued that a balanced report would have incorporated such mitigation proposals.

For those of us on major routes and in the receiving areas where deliveries are made, it would have the added advantage of not having to tolerate the high-pitched buzz of the current bikes that sound so much like demented wasps.

This light hearted piece highlights a serious point that Domino's Pizza have successfully deployed such vehicles in Europe:

http://www.tecca.com/news/2012/04/19/dom...nds-video/