Lewisham Gateway revisions rejected

Proposed changes to the Lewisham Gateway scheme, currently under construction in the centre of Lewisham, and intended to connect the station with the high street, have been rejected by the Council. South London Press reports:

The revised plans for phase two of the Lewisham Gateway development were unanimously rejected by Lewisham Council’s strategic planning committee.

There was widespread concern had been expressed over the lack of social housing in the plans and the council deferred the decision in March and requested further information from the developers.

Muse had highlighted that there was an overspend on its contribution towards reconfigurating the Lewisham roundabout. The subsequent presented financial appraisal concludes that the scheme is unable to support the delivery of affordable housing on viability grounds.

There has also been concern that the revisions included a hike in one of the towers from 25 to 34 storeys. 

The revised scheme reduces the space for education or office use at the bottom of one of the buildings... The new plans allow more space for the proposed hotel, shops and leisure space which could include a cinema.

Councillor Alan Hall said: “I moved the motion to oppose this application and my colleagues voted unanimously in support because there was no commitment to affordable housing. There was no social housing."

Thank you to Alistair for the link.