I was joking about the Wire - but dont most yoof wear a hood these days? It's just rude not to.

must be a nuisance in summer. The sacrifices people make for fashion.

I particularly like the baseball cap under the hood look.

when you're not just bad, but REALLY bad.

when you're WICKED!

I'm finding it hard to work up much enthusiasm over this open land that I've never had any access to. Is there a historical angle?
Was Michael Bradley shot and killed here?

With reference to The Wire, I wonder if there are any nice surprises waiting for the developers in the derelict houses on Tyson Rd?

The Forest Hill Society has written an objection to the latest proposal for 69-74 flats on this site.

You can view details of our objection here.

In summary:
1. Poor design
2. Poor access
3. Over-development
4. Reduction of green space
5. Does not fit with the character of the area

You can sign the petition that local residents have set up. Alternatively send your own objection to planning@lewisham.gov.uk

A new blog has been set up opposing this development:
http://www.savetheforestinforesthill.blogspot.com

At present there have been 122 objections. There is still time to submit your own objection to Lewisham planning department. Details on the new blog.

Is signing the petition good enough?

Michael
Whilst I have been on this land green areas should be encouraged so I am totally opposed to this new devolpment.
Good Luck and thank you for your campaign

Signing the petition is good, writing a letter/email is even better.
Whether either of these is good enough to stop this development, I do not know.

330 people have now lodged individual objections and about 160 people have signed the online petition.

According to the Lewisham website the target date for a decision is now 7 October.

Having received 349 objections and no letters of support Lewisham have refused planning permission - the decision notice is attached.

I understand the Developer is likely to appeal the decision.

Well done Woody and the Forest Hill Society. Maybe we should campaign for this green open space to be turned into a local park which will benefit of all who live in Forest Hill and the surrounding area?

Great news.Lets brace ourselves for the appeal, there is boumd to be one.Well done Lewisham Planning commitee for being really sensible.

Appeals have now been submitted regarding the 2008 and 2009 rejection of the proposed developments. These can be viewed at:
http://acolnet.lewisham.gov.uk/ACOLLATEDOCS/50123_1.pdf
and
http://acolnet.lewisham.gov.uk/ACOLLATEDOCS/50124_1.pdf
(not very much to read)

There will be a local public inquiry on 23 Feb 2010 at the town hall that could last up to four days. Outlines of the procedures for a planning inquiry can be viewed at http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads...ppeals.pdf

[attachment=305]
The decision by Lewisham Council seems very clear to me giving reasons for not allowing this development to proceed.(See attached)
What do we now have to do to spell out to the developer that the over-development of the site is NOT wanted?

The Forest Hill Society and local residents have been putting together our campaign against the appeals by the developers. We have a good team of people who have dedicated a lot of time to building a good case to compliment the case from Lewisham Council.

If you are free during the day on Tuesday to Thursday next week (23-25th Feb), please come to the town hall in Catford where you can witness the evidence from all three sides (Lewisham, the developer, and the Forest Hill Society). The public are not allowed to speak unless you give prior notification to the inspector (let me know if you are interested in speaking).

You don't have to stay for the whole inquiry, come along for as little or as long as you wish. It would mean a lot to those taking time off work and presenting evidence on behalf of local residents to know that they have your support when they speak.

Inquiry begins tomorrow. The main day of evidence from 'Woody', me, Councillor Russell, and local residents will be on Wednesday.

The inquiry is now finished. The outcome will be known in about 6-8 weeks.

We definitely scored a few points this week and I am sure this will have some bearing on the inspector's decision.

Thanks to all the residents who provided a presence at all times during the inquiry. This does not happen at all public enquiries and shows the strength of concern from local residents.