Camberwell residents have welcomed plans to redevelop what they have branded
as a “shabby” area but are disappointed by the height of one of the proposed
blocks of flats.
Construction firm Parritt Leng submitted a planning application to Southwark
Council for the demolition of existing buildings on Wyndham Road and
Camberwell Road and the creation of a “residential-led” mixed use development
comprising five buildings.
There will be one building with nine storeys, one with six, one with five, one with
four and one with four plus a basement, creating 82 new flats, 222m² of retail
floorspace, and a 516m² artist studio and gallery.
With the application still at consultation stage, local organisation the SE5 Forum
hosted a meeting, at which Parritt Leng gave a presentation, for local residents
and businesses to learn more about the plans.
Hilary Payne, chair of the SE5 Forum, said the plans were generally well received.
She said questions were raised about how much of the new development would
be dedicated to social housing, but that attendees were happy with the answer
that confirmed 63 of the 82 flats would be for private sale, 10 for shared
ownership and nine for council tenants.
“Lots of local residents came along and Parritt Leng were very helpful and keen to
give information,” she explained.
One of the residents at the meeting was Stephen Bourne, a community historian
who has lived in the Castlemead block of flats – which will be directly next to the
new development – for 32 years, and he said he was delighted with the plans
overall but admitted he was disappointed about the height of the nine storey
building.
“I have been impressed with Parritt Leng’s sympathetic approach to the Victorian
buildings here,” he explained.
“I’m really glad they are regenerating that area [Wyndham Road/Camberwell
Road] as it is shabby, neglected and people fly tip there.
“The only issue I have is the height of the nine storey building as I will be able to
look into the windows of those flats and they into mine.
“They shouldn’t be developing buildings of such height.
“But my overall view is that I welcome the regeneration as soon as possible as
the area is really horrible but it’s a shame the developers don’t understand the
loss of privacy and personal space.”
Bourne added that he will not be campaigning against the proposals.
Michael Glasgow, Southwark Council’s case officer for the application, said the
plans are still being considered and encouraged people with views to come
forward.
“The application will go to the planning committee on April 29,” he told South
London Lines.
“If you want to comment on the application, now is your window to do so.”
The consultation period ends on April 9, with a decision expected on April 24.