An M&S is already supposed to be opening in the former Iceland in East Dulwich. I'd love a Waitrose.

Is the Wetherspoon's closing after all? I thought it was staying.

M&Co is not an appropriate site for any supermarket regardless if it's Morrisons, Waitrose or M&S. M&Co actually own the building so I would be surprised if it would be left empty.

P1971 why would the M @Co site not be suitable for a baby Waitrose or an M @S Simply Food (or whatever those small M @ S shops are called)?

Maybe because they sell ice cream?

Perhaps for all the reasons that Morrisons' earlier application was refused.

http://www.se23.com/forum/showthread.php...2#pid67572

Yes, exactly that Mr Numbers!

Myself and stefan74uk set up the petition to go against this initally because of the point we made and forward thinking on planning issues we could foresee. This was then taken up by the amazing Forest Hill Society and was stopped because it would be a disaster for local pedestrians etc etc!

The hob site has the advantage of not being on the main pedestrian drag from the station up to hornimans.
Plus there is a natural bay on Davids Rd for deliveries - trucks are not going to have to regularly reverse out of a dead-end rd onto the south circ.
It is not perfect by any means, but is a better situation.

So as much as I would prefer the hob to stay a pub, if it really had to go, and morrisons, fortnum and masons or even ben and jerrys wanted to open a branch here, then I would not be signing any petition this time round. Sorry.

In my opinion, the M&co should become a Morrisons, the Hob should become a Tesco and the gym should turn back into a Mcdonalds.

Hi Perryman

The Hob is staying as a pub, it's changed owners and is closed for a refurb. My comments were in reply to posts about having Waitrose or M&S food at the M&Co site.

I have to clear enough Mcdonalds bags from the road I live in not to want McDonalds back thanks.

well I do want it back. It certainly attracts more people than the current gym.

I remember when it was a Woolworth's...

Yes, the Wonder of Woolworth's, that post brought back memories.
Remember well the store closing & closing down sale, approx 30 years ago (1985/86 ?) bought three young fruit trees ( cox apple/pear/cherry) for back garden, big trees now, get lots of fruit every year !

Two new shops are opening soon on Dartmouth Road. An Italian Pizzaria where Authentic Kebab was and a hand painted vintage furniture shop at number 95 opposite the pools.

I actually contacted the facilities division of Marks and Spencer to tell them about the possible vacant premises in Forest Hill. I think it would be great for the area. The fruit and veg in Sainsbury is appalling quality, and the rest of the store is pretty jaded. We need something refreshing to brighten up the area and pull people in.

I think it would bring a lot of footfall to the area. People would visit the town centre from Wells Park/Sydenham etc. Its 5 minutes walk, and the local businesses could benefit from the passing trade.

Agreed! London Road from the station upwards needs livening up ..... A Robert Dyas shop would be good in that area too.

Robert Dyas would be great, but I think it may be better to have a business that people may visit 2-3 times a week?

FYI. The Hob is staying as a pub. Currently closed but the refit starts soon and a fair amount of cash is being put down.

I wouldn't have thought of Robert Dyas, but that's an interesting idea. Maybe some competition from the new B&Q but worth a thought.

I had a look at their branch locator on their website. Guess what: they've got branches almost everywhere except southeast London. (See attached screenshot)

Exactly! I intend to write to them suggesting they look at Forest Hill or Bromley - I'm fed up trecking to Victoria every time I want some moth balls, mugs, cooking utensils etc. They have such a wide range from a tea strainer to garden furniture that I think they would do well here.

PS: I'm certainly not suggesting they look at the Hob - I love the pub and await with interest to see what it will be like in the near future.