I’ve thought that, although it’s not a great spot for outdoor seating and the lack of safe crossing on the road makes it less attractive, particularly for mums with kids.
We need something there, for sure (and preferably not something with a late license - as residents in that block, we have enough trouble with awful parking and often behaviour from JK Banquets patrons leaving at 2am)
Maybe Costa could part fund the much-needed crossing there? I’m not a fan of chains but in this situation, it could work all round
The issue of the crossing is not about funding, but suitability. Lewisham have said it is not an appropriate site for a crossing.
As for Costa being there, I had the exact same thought when the retail units first appears all those years ago. Perfect for getting to the station 10 mins early and loitering.
As for the outdoor seating, it seemed quite popular in the summer when the PV was open.
Costa relies on lots of footfall.
I’d definitely welcome somewhere to get coffee on the way to the station from the Perry vale side, although I have today Costa’s actual coffee isn’t one of my favourites. Do we know why Lewisham doesn’t think a crossing is appropriate? I’ve seen crossings in much more awkward places!
Hi @emmamay - just to let you know, we have a long and storied discussion on this here: A Crossing at Perry Vale? (by underpass) (best to continue there to keep this topic on-topic)
Oh thanks, Chris, i’ll take a look.
There is a new application:
http://planning.lewisham.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=_LEWIS_DCAPR_94285
This splits the unit and includes a Costa Coffee.
This planning application therefore proposes the sub-division of the ground floor of 7-9 London Road, Forest Hill. The western half of the unit (Unit 9) would be retained within the A1 Use Class whilst planning permission is sought for the change of use of the eastern half of the unit (Number 7) from its existing lawful A1 Use to allow a mixed A1/A3 coffee shop, which it is intended for occupation by Costa.
This solution allows the current occupier to remain in Forest Hill, whilst creating a unit that is of a suitable size that is attractive to coffee shop operators such as Costa.
Sounds like a positive step, and good for the current business too.
Yeah, if they’d’ve done it when I suggested the permission would be through next week.
I still stick by my earlier post & worry this will have an effect on our amazing independent Coffee Shops 
" PaulineVerified1st Mar
From the horses mouth after I spoke to the owners.
Half of the shop will be a Costa Coffee, the other half as is.
If all goes ahead!
Sorry if anyone has said this before, I’m only recently asking about this as it may effect our amazing independent Coffee Shops which I think are ace in our community even though I don’t like coffee - yes I am in the minority in FH."
Hello.
I am the landlord of this shop and have been since it was built about 15 years ago.
The plan is to turn the left half of the property into a coffee shop and Home Accessories Extra will stay on in the right hand side as you look from the pavement.
Hope this clears things up a bit.
Exactly so sir.
I am the landlord of the property and the idea is to have a coffee shop in the left hand side of the shop and Home Accessories Extra will stay in the right hand half.
Thank you for the info @macpaul .
That makes total sense to me; and the Business Rates saving for the Home Accessories Extra guys will be immense!
I did a similar thing on a miniature scale for one of my tenants on Dartmouth Road recently and, notwithstanding the roadworks chaos, it has worked out really well.
I hope it all comes together nicely for you and your tenants, who are providing a useful service for Forest Hill. I will also have my fingers firmly crossed in the hope that your new coffee shop operator won’t affect any of our little independents too badly.
Hi Guys,can you confirm half will be the Accesorries shop and the other half Costa Coffee, thank you.
Also welcome to the forum, and massive thanks for joining and sharing 
What about our local independent Coffee Shops in Forest Hill, will you compete with them, I hope not.
As much as I love Home Accesorries I completely am against any Coffee Shop offerings as we have very fine ones already with @TheArchieParker @StDavid Agas Deli & so many more.
This offering is not needed in FH.
Thanks Anotherjohn.
The smaller shop will certainly be cheaper for HAA and hopefully make the business sustainable.
As for the Indy/chain argument, its horses for courses I think.
Some will prefer idiosyncratic, some will prefer the familiarity of a chain.
It’s all about choice
If all goes according to plan, yes.
Thanks @macpaul for the info. Always good to hear these things directly 
I am very supportive of a Costa, as I can see many others on this site are.
Choice is the key word.
And let’s not forget people, people who staff these chain coffee shops. Some mentions I see here almost insinuate that chains are faceless or not part of a community. My absolute favourite baristas, who I see every day at the Costa at Blackfriars station, are an absolute joy to my mornings. Super fast, super friendly, always remember my orders. It’s not the first Costa that’s left this impression on me, so I think they must be doing something right in their staff training. Chains and those who work there absolutely can feel a part of the community.
I hope they take the space personally :)