I'm ashamed to say I didn't go to the meeting last night, I look forard to hearing what was discussed.

I have only a few points to make in this increasingly heated discussion:

1) A previous post states that the initial consultation showed people wanted a new swimming pool, not new facilities through re-use of the existing building. I dont think this is quite true, I believe the result of the consultation was pretty 50-50, with the Council then deciding to look into re-using the old building. See Council's statement dated March 2006 on this issue here http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/NewsAndEvents...+Pools.htm

2) Louise House being grade 2 listed does not mean the Council will not be able to knock it down (along with the pools) and use the site as they have proposed to do. They just need additional planning consent to demolish a listed buildings, and these are awarded not infrequently. Grade 2 listing is the lowest of the three listing grades (the others being grade 2* and grade 1), and even grade 1 buildings are (sadly) demolished. So for those wanting a campaign to delist the building because they think the building is now fully protected, should spare their efforts.

Its is not the fault of English Heritage that we for three years have not had a pool, they have responded to a recent planning issue to demolish a pretty derelict historic building, with a grade 2 listing of the building. The Council should have consulted with English Heritage years ago, when they were first looking into what to do with the site. English Heritage is mostly a re-active body (due to lack of staff and funds) and not a pro-active body. They often only officially hear about these buildings when they are about to be knocked down.

The Council has had three years to consider what do do with the site and they chose the easiest option, ie demolish and build from new. A bit more foresight could have resulted in them consulting with some of the many excellent architect firms, who are able to think creatively and create new and wonderful spaces by re-using part of or complete older buildings. It need not be more expensive, but it just needs a more creative architect firm - and they do exist.

I also want our pool back asap, for my and my childrens sake, I just think the Council could have worked this issue a bit smarter years back and saved a lot of time and consultants' (tax payers) money.

Will rush out and get Private Eye now - thanks for the tip!