We are in the process of looking at some properties in the Thorpe conservation area, and wondered if someone would be able to point us in the direction of a source of information regarding what can and cannot be done to the houses ? We understand that the restrictions are quite tight and sometimes extend to what can and cannot be done to large trees in private gardens - is this correct ?
We must commend you on a truly impressive website, it has proved incredibly useful and clearly demonstrates that people living in Sydenham really care about their locality and are prepared to do something about issues that arise - you don't see much of that in London anymore !!
Thanks for your help, hope to hear from you soon
PS: we did try a search of the forums but could not find any previous posts on this topic.
Annoyingly, there used to be a series of incredibly detailed - almost dementedly so - documents about this on the Lewisham website, but they seem to have gone now. (You can see the cached Thorpes 'home page' by Googling 'thorpes estate sydenham'.) From what I remember the rules were pretty strict but, as you'll see when you wander around the streets, they're not exactly rigidly adhered to...
Yes the redesign of the Lewisham website a week or so ago is a disaster. I have a private hunch that is where they sent the folks who did the Cobbs Corner roundabout. More about that here: http://forum.sydenham.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=284
You can use "WayBackMachine" to rescue the contents of pages no longer in the Google cache. I can't find anything with the search terms above cached at Google. We may find it at http://www.archive.org. Problem is AFAIR they don't do PDFs.
Perhaps we could ask a Sydenham councillor to go and dig a copy out of Laurence House for us? We can certainly give it a safe new home here.
sorry, the search terms i meant to suggest were 'thorpes estate conservation'. but i swear, this morning i get a completely different result to last night. you can see something of the old pages by clicking 'view as html', though...
Charlie - all I can find is two uncached documents. The only HTML I can retrieve is:
>>>>>>
25. Sydenham Thorpes (Map Ref C9)
Designated in 2001. An Edwardian estate dating from 1901 – 1914, built on the site of the grounds of the Old House, Sydenham Road (demolished in 1902). A compact grid of modestly sized terraced and semi-detached houses lined along a grid-like network of roads. The varied design of the houses reflects the most popular of contemporary architectural influences, and detailing is of a high quality. Street trees and private gardens also make an important contribution to the character of the area, which has a strong period feel.
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Nuffin about what shall/shall not do.... Any more leads?
sorry, that seems to be it. last night the cache had a page with a brief history of the thorpes, plus (now dead) links to PDFs with detailed drawings, plans, etc. lewisham will surely still have these knocking around somewhere...
Don't worry charlie. I'm sure some of our regular Thorpe based conservationists will be along shortly with some ideas/documents. If not - I'll have a word...
In response to Graeme and David's inquiry - the Thorpe Estate became a conservation area in 2000 and shortly afterwards was given an Article 4 direction (which means that it benefits from fairly strict planning controls). In practice this means retention or refurbishment of the original windows and doors, no vehicle 'crossovers', retention of the rubble and flint garden walls etc. Planning permission is required for new roofs, windows, extensions, conservatories etc - it is always best to check with the conservation officer at Lewisham. Prior to 2000 many original features were lost - one of the reasons why the Sydenham Society pushed for the added protection afforded by conservation area status. Many of the garden trees will be covered by Tree Protection Orders - in particular the poplars which are a feature of the estate and were part of the old field boundaries. Again, best to check with the council. There is an excellent leaflet on the history and architecture of the estate which was available on the previous version of Lewisham's website - I too have just searched the new site and can't find it. I have a copy so if you message me privately I can let you one - or email Lewisham's planning dept at: planning@lewisham.gov.uk
Apologies if this sounds demented - but the Thorpe streetscape is unique!
Oh, and there's a very relaxed residents association too!
congratulations, greame & david - you'll love it here.
annabel, since you seem to be an expert on the subject, i hope you don't mind me asking a quick question... i'm in the thorpes and need to find a builder who will do a 'sympathetic' job of repairing some of my house's brickwork. i don't suppose you - or anyone else - knows of someone?
thanks in advance...
