via:
Dear sir,
We wish to restate our concerns over the proposal outlined below. We have written to you before yet we haven't received a reply.
Background on Pepys development for the demolition of 5 low rise blocks of 222 units of flats of maisonette construction for a redevelopment of affordable properties by Hyde Housing Association of 261 units of flats ( including only 7 houses ).
This is linked as ONE scheme by Lewisham Council with the sale of Aragon Tower - 144 maisonette flats - to a private developer now believed to be Berkley Homes.
Because a separate planning application has only just been submitted for
Aragon Tower in March 2003. Proving that the two schemes are indeed separate.
The prompting for this letter is the recent statement by the GLA about 50% affordable housing on the nearby Greenwich Millennium Dome site. Whereas, here on Pepys this separate scheme of private development of an existing 100% secure Council tenancies is being proposed as a 100% sale to the private sector - with no affordable housing element.
Hyde Housing have themselves made the statement that the private development is entirely separate from their own scheme of 261 new units, replacing those to be demolished. Which was notinclude in the Hyde planning application of 2002. The demolition in itself is an unnecessary waste of embodied energy and good houing stock being lost that can be refurbished.
At present Lewisham have 15,000 on the housing waiting list, plus 2,800 families on the waiting list for houses. According to a recent statement by local MP Joan Ruddock to the House of Commons.
Why have you acquiesced to this situation ?
Another example, you need to know that there is very little possibility that the rare species, the Black Redstart, exists to be protected on this site. It is known to be shy, retiring species. This development is of very high density.
We look forward to your reply to this letter. We need an urgent reply as a full planning application is being sought directly, not outline.
24th April 2003
Attention :
Mr Kenneth Livingstone, Elected Mayor of London, Greater London Authority
Ms Nicky Gavron, Executive Member for Environment.
D. Considine, Strategic Planning Officer.
Scott Bailey, Strategic Planner/Urban Design.
We would like to have a meeting with yourself over this issue.
Yours sincerely
Malcolm Cadman, Secretary TAG