NEW GREYHOUND - 1st IMPRESSIONS?

[Sydenham]

I won't be able to get to see the model for a while so for those who have had this opportunity I'd like to ask a question or two:

Was there any text, or other information with the model; and pointer to its status and whether the model represented what had (or is going to be) put forward with a planning application?

Was there any indication as to who built the model and their relationship with the developers?

Thanks for posting the photos - though until I understand what the model represents I won't give any opinion as to what I think of it.

[simono]

No information at all not even confirming it was the Greyhound site!. However the planning application is in although it is not live yet as the information submitted was not adequate.

[simon]

OK so I've seen the model in the Kirkdale Bookshop and I have to say I was shocked byu the scale of the development. What is not apparent from the AIs Ive seen is just how far back towards the railway line the flats go. It appears to be a very large development and dwarf the surroundings; the "gateway to Sydenham".

[poppy]

I agree Simon. My initial impression is that the flats have too many storeys. Maybe two/three max would be sufficient?

Also, is the whole of the ground floor retail up to Sydenham Road?

I don't know how this can be enforced but I would urge the planners that if they are including balconies people are discouraged from drying clothes on them. I know it might sound harsh but it can make these blocks look really shabby, particulary those facing the road. How about a dedicated laundry where residents can wash and dry their clothes? At a lower rate maybe...

[fat_mike]

re:'I don't know how this can be enforced but I would urge the planners that if they are including balconies people are discouraged from drying clothes on them.......'

This is unforcable and ridiculous for several reasons
a) We don't live in The Third Reich
b) How the hell can it be enforced and by who
c) Hanging clothes out to dry is better for the environment, rather than waste energy that a tumble dryer would use

[multisync]

Yes I agree about not hanging washing over the balconies, it looks very "pikey" a bit like when you are on holiday and everyone hangs there towels out to dry.Maybe they could incorporate a drying area of some sort.

[Eagle]

The plans are a disgrace. The area is already overpopulated. Where will all these new people work.

[gillyjp]

The plans are a disgrace. The area is already overpopulated. Where will all these new people work.

And where will all these new people park, which is more to the point for us more local to this particular area!

[Dorian]

I dont understand why it still isnt on the Lewisham web site, I smell a rat.

Also whose going to live in those flats, i bet it will all be bought by a Housing association creating a nice ghetto, i though we were meant to have mixed communities of Private and Affordable homes ?

[Lewisham Council]

I dont understand why it still isnt on the Lewisham web site, I smell a rat.

Just to let you know, the Council received a planning application for the Greyhound pub on 2 Dec 2008, which was incomplete and therefore an invalid application.

The applicant has been informed of this and it is now up to them to submit a completed valid application which Lewisham's planning department can process.

[leenewham]

I dont understand why it still isnt on the Lewisham web site, I smell a rat.

Also whose going to live in those flats, i bet it will all be bought by a Housing association creating a nice ghetto, i though we were meant to have mixed communities of Private and Affordable homes ?

Isn't that pure speculation? Or do you k now something that everyone else doesn't?

I look forward to seeing the actual completed application (preferably with one less story).

[Eagle]

When will LBC realise we are overpopulated already. These plans a disgrace.

[admin]

Eagle,

I presume you mean LBL? Population control is not part of the planning process. Indeed AFAIK LBL have to meet central government targets to reach housing targets required for an expanding population.

Again AFAIK no mainstream political party is comfortable with discussing population issues. Some brave politicians within the parties do but it is a very sensitive subject that is likely to get a mauling by the more sensational press if any attempt was made to discuss it soberly.

Oh - and if anyone wants to discuss population here - could they take it to Town Pub please.

Admin

[fat_mike]

I don't think Sydenham is overpoulated, judging from the high street on a saturday it's hardly bustling

[Dorian]

It's speculation, on the basis that Housing Associations are the only people buying or building flats at the moment. We will see...........

I have nothing against Housing Associations but am against creating ghettos, the type of occupation should be mixed and may be it will be.

[Eagle]

Admin
You have a valid point and I apologise. Jusdt cannot help thinking like mototways will fill up with cars , new houses will fill up with people who otherwise would go elsewhere.


Good luck to those campaigning for the pool .

[gillyjp]

I don't think Sydenham is overpoulated, judging from the high street on a saturday it's hardly bustling

That's because they're all in Sainsburys in Bell Green doing their weekly shopping lol. If you read some of the previous threads on this site, on the state of Sydenham High street (or rather Sydenham Road, to give it it's proper name) you will realise that it is full of pound shops and nail bars! There are a few shops that deserve a visit but really you wouldnt catch me doing my main shop in Sydenham 'High St'.

I do like the Meditteranean Centre though (TMC) which reminds me of the little mini markets we visit when we go to Greece. The shop is lovely and clean with a bakers and a butchers inside. When we can't get fresh coriander we go there. Not that that would keep them in business though, so we do buy some other groceries.

[gillyjp]

I dont understand why it still isnt on the Lewisham web site, I smell a rat.

Just to let you know, the Council received a planning application for the Greyhound pub on 2 Dec 2008, which was incomplete and therefore an invalid application.

The applicant has been informed of this and it is now up to them to submit a completed valid application which Lewisham's planning department can process.

I do hope that when and if the applicant ever submits a completed valid application, Lewisham Council's planning department will bear in mind that the development is now right in the middle of a conservation area (thank you Sydenham Society - one of your more useful achievements!).
So putting up what looks like great big grey breeze blocks with flat roofs and no character at all, would be a definite no no I presume? Who cares if they have green bits sprouting from them and are supposedly eco friendly - from the looks of model they are horrible. Peak Hill Garden residents will have a dire outlook from the back if this development gets the go ahead. We will be fighting it and intend to set up a both an on line and door to door petition, given the total hostility to the plans expressed on this site.

[gillyjp]

This proposed devolpment is a monsterous carbuncle ( to quote out heir to the throne ).
Sydenham already overpopulated. A green area would be the best solution with flower beds etc

Having re-read some of this thread - I believe that in the quote above from Eagle on 2nd Jan he got it absolutely correct. It wont happen because there is no money to be made in it, but Sydenham deserves and needs a green space. The Greyhound could be turned into a nice restaurant, there could be some parking facility for patrons and the rest could be a park and a real 'gateway' to Sydenham.

[Cathy]

Eagle and gillyjp, totally in agreement. Just think how fantastic The Greyhound can be again, that is what Sydenham really needs, somewhere FANTASTIC to eat, like the pubs in the countryside serving good, wholesome food, fine ales, somewhere you will want to travel to, tables outside, a lovely green car parking area...NOT SURROUNDED BY UGLY FLATS THAT SYDENHAM JUST DOESN'T NEED! WE NEED SOMETHING WE CAN BE PROUD OF AND SHOW OFF!