The Tenants Action Group
5th February 2006
Your Ref : DC/06/64412
Dear Lewisham Planning,
We wish to object to the planning proposal for the Hyde Housing Phase
3, second extension.
This second addition to the Phase 3 scheme was not a part of the originally
approved planning application in 2004. ( The first addition was an increase in housing units, to be built as all flats, from the originally agreed 92 to 108 ).
The local community at meetings that have taken place have expressed their
concern about any further development of Pepys that is near to any green spaces.
Rather than write in letters tenants decided that they would rather do
a petition.
Yours sincerely
Enclosure : Petition objecting to the proposal
Enclosure : Common Ground Masterplan CCP architects commissioned by
Pepys Community Forum 2 colour copies
Enclosure : Richard Rogers Masterplan for Convoys Wharf proposal abstract
on Pepys estate 2 colour copies
The notification for the planning meeting for the first addition was
not received by objectors for which we received an apology later. However, we also understand that the ramp for pedestrian and cycle access between the 2 blocks was removed which is not acceptable; and should be reinstated.
The originally approved scheme, as a whole, in 2001, was for 251 units
( an increase in density from the then existing 222 units ) and which only included 7 houses. The remainder all being proposed as low rise flats by the architects BPTW.
This was despite the local demand for houses with gardens, itself a promise
in early surveys of tenants; and as a reason for decanting from the estate. The other 2 architects who bid for the project had both shown a considerable
number of houses with gardens
PRP architects had 53 3-bed and 31 4-bed houses 75 houses in total.
Shaw-Sprunt architects proposeda similar number, in a similar indicative layout. Which was clearly the design brief that had been set by Hyde / Lewisham Council. Only BPTW differed in their proposal for a scheme predominantly of flats.
Over 2 years ago, in 2005, due to a site visit, we obtained a drawing
showing houses located at the rear of the proposed flats of Phase 3. The Planning Officer was immediately contacted about this, at that time, and the reply from her was that it was known about, yet it was not a part of the
planning application and it was not expected to be applied for in the future.
We feel that this is a cynical deception as all of the new build blocks
were to be built on the existing footprints, under the agreed scheme; whereas when the Phase 3 started the footprint of the new building was moved forward in to the lower Pepys park.
We feel that this was planned by the architects from day one of Phase
3. Which is not what was agreed.
The entrance to the upper Pepys park from Bowditch, which was previously
there, has not been brought back.
On the original consultation for the whole of this scheme we were promised
a changing room facility, on Phase 3. Which has not been produced.
On Phase 2, a childs play area was promised. Which has not been produced.
There has been no s106 benefit to the local community from this scheme.
The ramp access from lower Pepys park to upper Pepys park is a recognised
route on the Thames Path from Tower Bridge to Greenwich. This needs to be re-instated.
The gap between the 2 blocks of Phase 3 has been closed from 18m to around
9m, prohibiting the view of the landmark 5 popular trees, from any distance vista.
Malcolm Cadman, Secretary TAG