It's not just SE23, in various parts of the borough small developments such the conversion of a house into flats does seem obtain a favourable reaction from the planning department.

I'm currently following a case where despite some bedrooms being below the minimum and other matters that go against Lewisham's own policies an officer recommended granting the application.

Just looking at the plans you could see as many units as possible had been squeezed into the property, rather than making a reasonable profit the developer wants the maximum. He appears not to worry about the consequences for those moving into the property or the surrounding area.

In his report the officer seemed to justify his support by pointing to the worst property in the road rather than all the others which have remained family homes and have had significant improvements.

It's not as if the planning officers are not aware of this developer's work in other parts of Lewisham and he doesn't seem to want to play by the rules.

Before going to committee he warned residents if it was not permitted they would be getting 'new' neighbours next week. Permission was not granted but he appears to have begun work building an extension and converting the property into flats.

Apparently there are only 3 planning enforcement officers in the borough and they have over 300 live cases.

I'm told developers will test the water with the officers and then go ahead before being granted planning permission knowing there's very little chance of an enforcement notice being served.