As the architect for the application at 55-59 Honor Oak Park I would like to respond to the Forest Hill Society Planning Committee's comments.

As most will appreciate, there is an urgent need for housing and this proposal increases the number of dwellings provided, from 4 to 5, while increasing the ground floor commercial area for a larger A1 unit. The dwellings generally provide more living space than is required by Lewisham housing policy for each type.

I will answer each point made by the Forest Hill Society Planning Committee in turn:

F.H.S.P.C. Point 1. - Flat 57a has poor quality layout with a kitchen/livingroom that is just over 2m wide in most points, providing little useful floor space.

Response - The proposed kitchen/living room is the same combined area and width as the existing kitchen and living room that it replaces, with the larger room providing greater flexibility in layout. A 2m wide space makes a good galley kitchen which is the intention. This one bed one person dwelling has a floor area of over 45 square metres, the bedroom measures 18.9 square metres; Lewisham's minimum floor areas for a one person dwelling is 30 square metres, with a minimum area for a bedroom of eight square metres. This flat is 50% larger than most affordable new build accommodation.

F.H.S.P.C. Point 2. - Poor quality access provided to flats 59a & b. Both accessed from the rear, up a flight of stairs, and then an external walkway over the flat roof.

Response - The existing flats are already accessed from the rear. The proposed shared entrance lobby and internal flight of stairs provides good security to the first floor flats, while the external area allows daylight and separation between dwellings.

F.H.S.P.C. Point 3. - General outlook and daylight from a number of the units, most notably the kitchen/diner of 59a.

Response - Kitchens are not required to have natural daylight, this one does. Further, the living room in this dwelling is 18 square metres meaning the minimum requirement for the kitchen could be as little as 7.5 square metres. This dwelling has been provided with a kitchen measuring 10.9 square metres, larger than Lewisham's minimum requirements.

F.H.S.P.C. Point 4. - We are also concerned that no details have been provided of neighbouring properties, most notably 57b which surrounded by this development. There are concerns about the suitability of the internal layout of the units within this application, and the impact this may have on the neighbouring properties.

Response - 57b is currently occupied and we were not granted access to survey the property. However, the function of the rooms immediately adjacent to 57b on both sides remain as existing. 57b is accessed from the front of the parade and is not affected by this development.

F.H.S.P.C. Point 5 - As a result of these issues we believe this application should be rejected in its current form as it is contrary to council policies HSG5, HSG8, and HSG11.

Response - As outlined above this development is not contrary to policies HSG5 and HSG8, policy HSG11 does not apply:

HSG11 Conversion of Space Above Shops to Residential Accommodation - There is no material change of use. The space above the shops is already in residential use.

I hope this response has assuaged any doubt anyone on the forum may have held given the information provided by the Forest Hill Society Planning Committee. I would be very pleased to answer any other questions anyone may have.

While the consultation period has closed it is still possible to email your views on this development to the planning officer and these will continue to be added to the list of responses.

Geoff Whittington is the officer in charge and can be contacted at :
planning@lewisham.gov.uk