Gordonbrock School: Decision day approaches

Lewisham Council's planning committee is due to hear the Gordonbrock School planning application this Thursday, 10th December.

Anyone interested in the details of the plans can look here; the gist is that the school wants to demolish two of the original Victorian teaching blocks, and replace them with a new building which joins all the teaching spaces together, and extends the capacity of the school from 2.5 to 3-form entry.

The Victorian Society has spoken out strongly against the demolition, calling it 'an appalling waste of structurally sound historic buildings'. The society has urged Lewisham Council to 'view the historic school buildings in its care as an asset and not a burden'.

The Brockley Society is running a petition against the changes, arguing on the basis of sustainability (refurbishment being a more appropriate option), architectural heritage and lack of public consultation.

The proposals have also been discussed at length on local councillor Sue Luxton's blog. Sue is in favour of the re-build in principle, but has expressed reservations over the extent to which sustainability has been taken into account by the architects and contractors.

What do BC readers think?