A London council faced a dilemma when it had to approve hundreds of homes on a former gasworks site in Sydenham, Southeast London. The decision came after the council failed to meet its housing targets. The planning committee received legal advice indicating that blocking the homes would have a “zero percent success” rate in the case of an appeal. Melanie Dawson, head of legal services, shared this guidance with the councillors in a private meeting.
The gas production at the Bell Green gasworks site ceased in 1969, and the site has been a subject of controversy ever since. The proposal brought by developer Barratt London included plans for 262 flats in blocks up to 14 storeys high. Although some councillors and local residents expressed concerns about the height of the buildings, noise nuisances, and the lack of affordable housing options, the majority ultimately voted to approve the plans.
Councillor Edison Huynh explained that the council was in a difficult position due to repeated failures to meet housing targets. The Housing Delivery Test revealed that the number of homes completed in Lewisham was only at half of the required targets. As a result, there was a presumption in favor of granting planning permission for the development.
Despite objections raised by residents and some councillors about the proximity of the buildings to historic landmarks and the quality of the housing, the plans were approved. Only 71 out of the 262 homes were classified as ‘affordable,’ with a mix of London Affordable Rents and shared ownership options. Some council members voiced concerns about the lack of three-bedroom properties, which were in higher demand in the borough.
Developer Barratt London defended the plans, stating that they were of high quality and would provide much-needed new homes and public spaces. The company assured that the development would take into account the site’s constraints and respect the neighboring Livesey Memorial Hall and other community assets.
The decision to approve the housing development on the gasworks site reflects the ongoing challenges faced by local councils in meeting housing demands while balancing concerns about heritage preservation, affordability, and community needs. As the housing crisis continues to be a pressing issue in many areas, finding sustainable and inclusive solutions remains a priority for local authorities and developers.
