Isn't the asnwer to this rather simple economically-speaking ?

Drive around SE22 and then SE23. Compare the number of high-value cars you see in each postcode - are there more Porsches BMWs, Audis & Mercs in SE22 or SE23 ?

If you want to attract high-net-worth people you have to give them something in return - nice shops, easy transport, good schools, good neighbours.

North-West of the railway track that splits Forect Hill between nice and not-so-nice (drill down on the Police buglary map if you want confirmation) is as close to Dulwich Boys College as anywhere in SE22. Alleyns's & James Allen's school are but a 5-minute drive away in a Chelsea tractor.

SE23 will no doubt benefit immensely from the estension of the tube to here. That will increase local consumer demand, and thus provide extra incentive for profit-motivated business to set up camp here. The quality of the bsuinesses will relate directly to the quality of the clientele, which relates to the quality of the people coming here. So, hurrah, to FH being connected to Canary Wharf. Admiitedly bankers do live up to their Cockney moniker, but hey, cash drives the economy.

Personally I was amazed that upon arriving here from Canary Wharf last tear I received such vehement opposition to me wanting to build an explampary ?1m+ house on Tewkesbury Avenue. You can see all the details in another thread, and the approved plans on Lewisham's website. Not only did all my new neighbours lose in speactular fashion in the High Court with their objections, but one of them even wrote in their objection that my girlfriend (and mother of my child) should move, rather than redevelop, when she's lived in the road for 10 years !

Perhaps part of the problem in Forest Hill is the attitude of a small, very vocal, yet-small-minded minority ?

I'd love to see SE23 get more like SE22. I have to admit though, that none of us will ever be SE21. ;-)