I agree with all the 'pro' Rye Laners. I like it as it is, though having said that I also like what's happened to the Brixton village area even though it's been the target of similar anti-gentrification protest.
Do you have a brown bin? If not you can request one from the Southwark website. http://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/200084/recycling_and_waste/2352/request_a_bin_or_additional_food_waste_bags/1
There's a brownie pack that meets on Mondays at St Faiths, Red Post Hill. http://www.southwark.gov.uk/directory_record/2156/north_dulwich_brownie_pack_5th
Treehouse is a specialist school for autistic children and young adults in north London. Not sure if they have branches elsewhere. http://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/treehouse_school/index.cfm. You could also look at the special educational needs board on Mumsnet. http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/special_educational_needs
I doubt an open tread staircase between 1st and 2nd floors would pass building regs as it would be a fire risk. You may have to have that replaced for a more standard 'boxed in' design when you do the full conversion.
I used Colour B4 when I had a home colouring disaster. It was brilliant - my hair returned to exactly how it was pre-colour. http://www.boots.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10052&productId=1000978