Community news

Finland Road development
 
We the undersigned are opposed to the development and structural alterations currently being made to 2 Finland Road, Brockley, SE4. The opinion of local residents has not been sought by the developer - who is not a local resident - and we are specifically concerned about this development for the following reasons -
 
1)We believe that this development fails to respect the architectural integrity of this area (which borders on the Telegraph Hill Conservation Area) in that the change to the pitch of the side roof of this building which backs on the adjoining properties on Finland Road has no precedence in the properties at either end of the adjoining terraces, and, as this is visible from the road, represents an architectural eyesore.
 
2)This change from pitch roof to brick wall has an extremely detrimental effect on our south facing gardens by significantly reducing the amount of available natural light. From an environmental perspective this is a disaster as our ability to continue to effectively use our gardens to grow fruit and vegetables, compost garden and household waste and dry our washing is significantly reduced - these are all activities theoretically being promoted by both Lewisham, The British Government and the EU in contributing to reducing global warming, yet this development will prevent us from being able to reduce our carbon footprints in this manner. Our gardens also provide crucial safe play space for children and secure leisure facilities for the elderly and infirm. The loss of available light will restrict this usage.
 
3) The plan to provide off-street parking to the side of 2 Finland Road will create serious security issues for the residents of 114, 112, 110, 108 & 106 St Asaph Road, where rear access from the street to the gardens of these properties will exist where no such access existed before. One of these properties and it's garden is used for the provision of child-minding facilities, and this creates child protection issues for the owner. Other residents of this community are vulnerable by dint of age and disability and we believe that this creates an unacceptable level of risk, particularly given the recent rise in violent crime in the New Cross/Peckham/Brockley area.
 
4)The increase in the density of housing in this planned development is a matter of serious concern given that the only property in the vicinity to undergo a similar conversion (albeit at a far lower density), for private rental, is not effectively managed by it's landlords, causing serious problems for residents and the local shopkeeper due to it's continued use as a rubbish dumping ground increasing local problems with vermin, and due to inefficient management, serious anti-social behaviour by past tenants. It is unclear whether this development is for private sale/buy to let/rental, but with this experience in mind we are concerned that the change in use from single family home to multiple occupancy will cause similar problems without any adequate safeguards in place for our community.
 
5)The current front and rear garden of 2 Finland Road and the hedgerow to the front of the property is a significant nesting site for many birds which are endangered species in London - robins, wrens and sparrows. It also provides a vital wildlife corridor for small mammals and birds and other flora and fauna, as well as acting as a vital green screen to our gardens. The loss of this garden to off-road parking will impact adversely on local wildlife - and on the air quality of the locality.
 
6) A dropped kerb and the provision of off-street parking to 2 Finland Road will set a precedent for this street which we believe to be unacceptable - the current footpath needs to be maintained at it's existing width on a permanent basis to provide access for all peoples, but in particular buggy and wheelchair users, given that a Special School is situated on Finland Road, and, as the wider Brockley community is committed to improving disabled access to Brockley Station, which would be adversely affected by off-road parking at this address.
 
7) We understand that the main sewage access point for all the properties on this block of St Asaph Road is situated in the front garden of 2 Finland Road a believe that 24/7 access to this would be restricted were a car-park to be placed over it.
 
8) We are particularly concerned about the laissez-faire attitude of the developer, who has failed to consult with local residents prior to work commencing, has placed scaffolding overhanging our gardens at a dangerous level, and who's response to local residents who have expressed concern via the appropriate channels (i.e. Lewisham Planning Dept.) has been verbally abusive and intimidatory. Such an attitude fails to give us confidence that he is motivated by a desire to actively and positively contribute to the quality of life of our community overall.

Signed:
Fiona Branson, Hamza Salemi, Frederick J Whitmore, Mr J Patel, Bill Blanco, Ellis Branson, P. Honyben, Jodie Honyben, P. Revesz, Anna Cioffi, Richard Barr, C. Kemp, Jim Gladwin, JJ Mitchell, C.A. Mitchell, R. George-Jones, Mr Brian Robinson, Gina Dickson, Mrs Brenda Cook, Steve Owen, P. Kemp