Live-work arts community proposed for Ashby Mews

Now, by popular demand, we bring you the news that a major scheme has been developed, to create a new live/work destination for artists and craftspeople in Ashby Mews.

A series of applications have been submitted to redevelop the former commercial units at the Ashby Road end of the mews, some of which were destroyed by fire in 2008 and have lain derelict ever since.

The Ashby Studios project would create a string of two-storey live/work spaces designed to provide studio space for artists.

The plan is the brainchild of local artist Jeff  Lowe, who works out of one of the existing units. His studio would be have the west facing facade restored and a and another storey added, with an extension to include contemporary living accommodation, private courtyard and a non-residential store.

The Brockley Society is supportive of the principle of sensitive development of Brockley's mews, some of which have become dumping grounds for rubbish. However, the plans are opposed by some residents of Manor Avenue on the basis that the new units would overlook their back gardens.

The question of whether Brockley's mews are valid sites for development is one which has already been debated in principle before on this site, but it would be good to get the views of readers in light of this particular proposal.