Protecting Peckham's Heritage

[Eileen]

The plans

The developer Berkeley Homes have submitted a planning application to redevelop the Aylesham Centre close to the junction of Peckham High Street and Rye Lane, containing Morrison’s supermarket, car park, & petrol station, Aylesham shopping arcade and most of that side of Rye Lane between Hanover Park and Peckham High Street. The application is for a mixed housing, retail, leisure and commercial development, in buildings ranging from 5 to 20 storeys.

Impact

Local people who have studied the detailed plans think that the development would dominate the historic town centre which has evolved since the 18^th century, and would ruin the Conservation Area which was awarded in 2011 'to preserve and enhance its character and appearance'. More than 65% of the homes to be built in this unimaginative over-bearing development will be unaffordable by most people who live in Southwark, and provide inadequate open and green space for this part of Peckham.

Need for discussion

This is such an important issue for south London that it needs wide discussion before the Council Planning Committee takes its decision (not before next Spring). A free on-line talk and discussion to clarify the heritage issues we all need to think about is being held on Monday 11^th November 7-8.30pm. All will be welcome. Please register on this link: https://Defend-Peckhams-Heritage-2024.eventbrite.co.uk

There are several other key issues raised by the plans which are being examined in the Aylesham Community Action (ACA) campaign. You can find the link to all that and other useful information here: www.linktr.ee/acapeckham

The zoom session is being arranged by Peckham Heritage the local group that has grown from the community work alongside the restoration of nine historic buildings in Peckham High Street through the Townscape Heritage Initiative.

We hope that EDF members who value local heritage will be able to attend the session to hear and take part in the discussion, and report back to this topic so the discussion can continue.

[alice]

More interested in the future than the past.