Off topic we are talking about the portacabin development
Not off topic - the developments are close enough to each other that they both engender problematic issues that affect the hyper-local community.
3 Likes
I agree - And it isn’t just about parking for cars owned by residents and prospective residents, there needs to be space for removals lorries, delivery vehicles, emergency vehicles, taxis/minicabs etc.
No, not every street in Forest Hill is on a Red Route
What would it take for Network Rail to put a sound-baffle wall alongside the railway between the bridge over the A205 and the corner of Stanstead Road where maintenance crews get access to the track, or better still a bit further along where the Garthorne nature reserve is. Most of the track in the direction of HOP is in a cutting and further away from housing, so does not cause disturbance.
A legislation that requires them to do so, as is in place in other countries where you typically find such walls. This would come at a cost, and given that Network Rail is government owned and funded I can’t see any incentive for the latter to push such legislation.
The flats will be right next to a station and are on a bus route so I can’t see parking spaces being a priority. I lived in London ina flat for years without needing a car, we only got one after having children (because taking a baby in a pram on public transport is a nightmare). Now I am pram-less I do question our need for a car. I could get taxis and hire a car when I needed it, and still be financially better off than I am owning a car. Really it’s just for convenience but it’s a hell of a lot of money for that convenience!
I use the car as little as possible for short journeys, and catch public transport, walk, or cycle. So most of the time it just sits there parked on the street. There are all these cars sitting idle on streets and driveways, it’s crazy really, I don’t think it’s sustainable in the long run.
We did the calculations at work and found out that it is cheaper to take a cab occasionally rather than own a car. Obviously, this changes if you use your car every day.
It’s not just about parking for residents, it’s about access for removals vans, deliveries, minicabs, visitors in cars, emergency vehicles etc. If you have a removals lorry, and a John Lewis delivery, and a parcel delivery, they can’t park on double red lines.
1 Like
The PDF from further above shows vehicle access including the ability to do a turn on site.
If all those vehicles mentioned are to turn up at the same time, then it shouldn’t be a surprise why London has a traffic problem. Emergency vehicles, as their name suggests, should not have to worry about double red lines. It’s a very tricky site to work with from an access perspective. I think they found a good compromise.
2 Likes
I have gotten in contact with the developers and enquired about the impact of the distinct lack of parking arrangements, and unfortunately haven’t received anything particularly reassuring about how they plan to solve the potential problem of traffic or parking congestion in the area. This hasnt filled me with the most confidence on the development
The developer is only interested in extracting the maximum profit and moving on.
You should make the FHSoc aware of your concerns as they’re the ones who usually make the planning department aware of these things on our behalf.
Unfortunately, in this case though, the site has already got a long-standing established vehicular access in and out of the site (e.g for commercial vehicle deliveries) and government planning guidelines positively encourage residential developments with no parking that are built near good public transport links, such as in this instance.
You shouldn’t rely solely on the FHS who may or may not agree with your views. the planning process allows for all to participate.
3 Likes
So just to state the obvious… flats above commercial now, rather than a hotel? I wonder why that changed…
I don’t believe this particular one was ever a hotel. Are you mixing it up with the CoOp plans?
3 Likes
Everyone loves a balcony looking out over the South Circular.
8 Likes
Yep. Was always a residential development with some commercial mixed in.
1 Like
Ah that I am - thanks!
1 Like
Also ideal for train spotting, at the rear.
1 Like
Local residents received letters from Lewisham Planning about these plans today