So whats your definition of 'having started' then, doml?

um, demolished a garage, dug a hole ? That's what the government says is having started so there you are, I've started ! ha ha ha ha ha. :-)

So when do you intend to finish?

when I get around to it, and that's none of your business.

I'm sorry the application has been withdrawn...hope its going to be re-incarnated somewhere close or in another form in the same place.

As one Grand-Designee to another : I think it would be very cool for Jeff to reassert his authority on this blog and give a hint as to his intentions.

Jeff Lowe has submitted a new application for this site which can be viewed at http://acolnet.lewisham.gov.uk/LEWIS-XSL...mkey=64623

One of the key differences is that this development is two storeys lower than the previous application (four rather than six storeys).

In the light of some of the previously heated discussion it is probably worth reflecting that with the new application the developer has taken account of the views of local residents (both for and against). Hopefully views (both for and against) can be expressed in a more considered and polite manner than some of the previous exchanges in this thread.

I really like this scheme. I think it's brilliant. If this is built it will be a tremendous asset to Forest Hill.

Good Luck!

This looks like a really well thought through and properly supported proposal. I like it and wish Jeff well with it.

This looks great. Should really help regenerate this side of the tracks. It's lucky that Jeff is obviously a tenacious developer and hasn't lost any of his drive with his developements as detailed in the trouble he originally had with the Lewisham planning offices when they were trying to refuse his ideas on Havelock Walk all those years ago.

The proposals appear on the face of it to be of a more acceptable scale than the previous application following the reduction in height.
I can't comment beyond that at this current time as I haven't yet reviewed the plans in detail or the implications for local residents. The developer has however had to make those changes in order to increase the chance of getting permission so I don't think anything been done for reasons other than the strictly commercial.

Unfortunately given all that went before, I don't feel like turning my views into 'support' for this venture, perhaps instead just a lack of interest in formally objecting.

I live on Hindsleys Place so feel more qualified to comment than some.

I really liked the original proposal and have seen the outlines for the new one but in less detail. Hopefully it will still be an architecturally interesting development and not a watered down concept to suit the NIMBY brigade.

Not sure where you are based Roz, but you do seem to have quite a negative attitude towards the area. This development is by a local artist who seems to be keen to add to and improve Forest Hill. How any resident can be against that is beyond me.

My understanding is that Roz must live near the Horniman because her children go to Fairlawn school. I only know this because Roz has recently posted so. I appreciate that Roz is not objecting this time but I don't see how one could formally object to something if you don't live in the area affected but perhaps I am wrong on this.

I think it's a great development and I think it harsh to imply that the developer is not mindful of public opinion. He's a successful artist that flies the flag for Forest Hill and (with others) puts us on the map so I don't see how he could not be mindful of what locals think. Clearly he's an astute business man too and as far as I can see there’s nothing wrong with 'being commercial' if things are carried out in consultation. It's surely because the developer is commercially minded that he makes enough money to re-invest in the area. Considering the damning critique he got last time (by some people), I'm surprised he didn't go and spend his money elsewhere (which would have been a great shame for FH).

I hope the development goes ahead because the south side of the tracks could do some re-generation and I hope it kicks starts some general smartening up of the immediate area. And for the record, I do live in the area affected (confirmed by a letter in the post!).

I think some of you are missing the point.
What caused some of the tension last time arose from the way the discourse surrounding this issue was conducted, particularly the ridiculing and dismissal of others who dared to put forward other - equally valid - perspectives.

Also we are ALL custodians of the areas we live in. What we pass on to new generations matters; not just for those who live immediately in the vicinity. Others do have a right to comment too - and it's when these comments are treated with derision that others have felt moved to say something in response.

I welcome thoughtful regeneration and I also welcome a democratic space for free comment.

I know Roz is a woman who is well able to defend herself but if I may jump in - her recent comment should be viewed in the light of what could only really be described as deeply unpleasant personal attacks on this site when she dared to suggest that she didn't think the first proposal was appropriate - the whole thing descended into fairly vitriolic abuse and I don't think those who attacked Roz did themselves any favours.

We all live in the area and we're all allowed to air views on this forum re what happens in the area, regardless of whether we live next door to it or not because the fact is, some day, we might live next door to it as each new development sets a precedent for the rest of the area.

Article about Jeff in today's Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/inte...lance.html

Lewisham planning department are recommending approval for this development. They will go before the planning committee on Wednesday. You can read the details of their recommendation at http://councilmeetings.lewisham.gov.uk/i...3&MId=2156

It looks different and exciting and will get people talking. What's not to like?

Despite the officers' recommendation to approve this development, the councillors on the planning committee tonight rejected this development due to concerns about the bulk of the new building.

I felt this was a disappointing decision by the planning committee.

A revised application was made and approved by officers a few weeks ago. Details of the application can be seen at http://acolnet.lewisham.gov.uk/LEWIS-XSL...mkey=66844

The site is now for sale http://johnpaynecommercial.com/Details.a...=229%20176

This post was last modified: 01-10-2012 10:44 AM by michael.