Glemham

DulvilleRes is absolutely right about the over-development on the site. These large houses will be completely out of keeping with this conservation area. As has been pointed out on other posts, the Estate cares only about maximising profits for the Foundation schools. Several of these are now multi-million pound 'industries' with expansion programmes that completely disregard the residential nature of the local area so I'd like to see the Estate justify its pursuit of profit above all else. The site lends itself well to a smaller development of housing suitable for local residents looking to downsize in retirement, thereby freeing up larger houses for families. There is excellent access to public transport and shops, and if needed, a car-sharing project could be incorporated into the development - ticking the boxes for Southwark's policy on reducing car use. There would then be no need for underground garaging, and consequently much less heavy construction traffic. Unlike other local authorities neither the Estate nor the Council currently have any stated policy on the construction of basements - an area of some controversy in other parts of London. If the current proposal is given planning permission neither body will find it easy to deny permission to future developers. Finally it's quite likely that these, in my view, ugly and highly undesirable houses will be bought up by investors seeking somewhere to park their cash and not their families.

So when we're those of us who live near to this busy junction, and are going to be affected by its closure, going to be told about the work starting next week if we never see Southwark News?! Doesn't the Council's budget of ?220,000 run to leafleting the residential roads involved?

This scheme proposing to ban the right turn from Townley Road into East Dulwich Grove has been sprung on local residents. We have been given no information on the predicted impact on our road and the local road network if this scheme were to be adopted. In common with many of my neighbours I believe the displaced traffic will be diverted to other junctions, our and other smaller residential streets, adversely impacting the amenity, air quality and safety of the area. The proposals are weighted heavily in favour of cyclists and make no mention of the congestion caused at this junction at peak times by the traffic ? cars and coaches ? caused by the two schools, JAGS and Alleyns. Both schools have expanded so much that they have little or no space on their land for coach and car parking resulting from so many young people being brought into the area for their education. At 4pm one evening last week there were eleven coaches parked close to the junction at the Alleyns end of Townley Road. Outside of peak times and in the holidays this is not a particularly busy junction. Residents in nearby streets also have to cope with parking from staff and other school cars during term time ? just look at Calton Avenue ? again because there is little or no provision for staff parking at Alleyns. Southwark should carry out a traffic and parking survey in term time and the holiday period in this area to determine the true extent of the problem.