Railway Rise Demolition - Consultation now open

[chazzle]

The consultation period for the proposed demolition of two of the victorian railway cottages on Railway Rise, by East Dulwich Station, is now open.

http://planbuild.southwark.gov.uk:8190/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=dates&keyVal=_STHWR_DCAPR_9558549

[steveo]

I've made an objection. Please add yours

[chazzle]

I mentioned earlier an attempt to get the station and railway cottages listed. This is the decision that English Heritage returned.

http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1423554&resourceID=7

Although disappointing because this would probably have prevented the proposals from going forward, it is important to read through to the conclusion:

"CONCLUSION While of local interest as key elements of the suburban expansion of East Dulwich, individually and as a group East Dulwich Station and Nos. 1-3 Railway Rise, do not possess the special architectural or historic interest in a national context required for designation."

[Jenny1]

But that wouldn't preclude 'local listing' would it Chazzle?

[abeattie]

I've added an objection, which for some reason has appeared multiple times. I echo Stevo, if so minded, do take a minute to write an objection. The more protestations, the less chance this has of happening.

[chazzle]

Jenny1 - I don't know. I thought there was only the English Heritage route. Do you (or anyone else) know of other options?

[Jenny1]

Yes. I agree with Steveo and abeattie on this and have added my objection. It was very easy to do and didn't take long. If you don't like the look of the proposals adding your own comment could make a big difference.

[Jenny1]

Hi Chazzle. Buildings can get what's called 'local listing' status - granted by the council. I will talk to a friend who's familiar with the way these things work in Southwark - get her advice - and come back with more news.

[Jenny1]

PS I think the fact that English Heritage said that the 3 cottages were of 'local interest as key elements of the suburban expansion of East Dulwich' would support an application for 'local listing' of these houses. That's the point about 'local listing' I think - it's about what architecture matters in marking the history of an area. And that's why I'd miss these cottages. They were built in the 1860s - as the railway itself - and thousand of miles of track all over the country - were being constructed to herald in the age of steam.

[steveo]

Hint: Make your objections public (as against private) then all can see the numbers rise

[ednewmy]

If there's anyone out there who "knows about these things" and can object to the proposals on issues of PLANNING, then I think that would be especially useful.

Objecting on the fact that they are historic and part of the character of the area etc is all well and good (and what I intend to do as it's as far as my knowledge goes) but if people can come up with substantial and informed objections based on planning issues such as the 45 degree rule right to light, increased traffic, etc then this can only strengthen the case.

[ed_pete]

It could be worth contacting the Victorian Society - they campaign to save Victorian and Edwardian buildings.

http://www.victoriansociety.org.uk/about/our-role-in-saving-victorian-and-edwardian-buildings/

[chazzle]

ed_pete - Thanks. I've now contacted the Victorian Society on email and Twitter. I'll keep you posted.

[chazzle]

This from the application form:

"2 small old and dated residential cottages of poor quality located in an area of redevlopment [sic] accessd [sic] by a private road."

Bet they were thinking: wonder if they'll bother checking any of this?

It makes you wonder why the developer once thought them to be charming and wanted to live there ...

[Alex K]

Comment submitted, text as below:

I question the claim that the cottages to be destroyed are not of architectural or historical merit. In their present context, I contend, they are very much worth preserving as a unit. The railway station is an important entry into East Dulwich. The three cottages along Railway Rise, viewed from the down-train platform and walkway, are a charming reminder of our local history. Perhaps that view will be lost as what was once the garden centre's yard is occupied by a modern building. Even after that loss, however, to demolish two of the cottages and to set in their place a disproportionately large and certainly clashing structure is, I believe, to squander a valuable asset. Our goal should be to conserve rather than to discard, and with that in mind I hope that the proposal to tear down those cottages will be DENIED.

[clockworkorange]

If the cottages remain residential dwellings, suggest you object on the grounds of loss of residential. Southwark have policies on this point. There's a need for family housing, so loosing these is also contrary to the development plan.

What's the reason for the demo?

Speak to councils heritage team. I don't think southwark have a "local list" but check. If so, you could ask it be put on. You'd need solid justification. Suggest victorian society and any local conservation area group (doubt this is in a ca though) will be well placed to advise.

[dimples]

I too have made an objection !

If you haven't seen it it's the link on the opening post :)

[chazzle]

There are no new public comments shown since Thursday. I guess that means the comments are moderated and will appear after they've been checked.

[chazzle]

I'm writing to the planning officer to ask for the deadline for comments to be extended. We have not yet received a letter from the Council about this (which I'm sure is required) and there is some confusion over what the deadline is (10th or 13th March?)

[@Woodwarde]

Are these the only consultees?

http://planbuild.southwark.gov.uk:8190/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=consulteeComments&keyVal=_STHWR_DCAPR_9558549

Environmental Protection Team Formal Consultation [Noise / Air Quality / Land Contamination / Ventilation]

Design and Conservation Team

Transport Planning Team

[edhistory]

I thought that Thames Water is now a mandatory statutory consultee.

Thames Water will address the impact on the Station Rise sewer. This sewer was originally built between 1865 and 1873 and sized for three small Victorian domestic premises.

It may be neccessary for Railway Rise to have a new sewer system with interesting Grove Vale excavations to make the join.

Pehaps the non-consultation with Thames Water is an oversight.

John K

[steveo]

I don't understand why there isn't an old curmudgeonly bloke at the council who looks at these things and just goes 'No' and puts them in the bin.

It would save a lot of expensive 'consultation'

[mikeb]

SteveO - The recent decision by Westminster Council to refuse permission for some Qataris to knock three (already palatial) houses together would seem to be an example of this. Though not sure the average person in the street will benefit from greater availability of housing from this action ...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2932712/How-town-hall-planning-officer-halted-Qatari-royal-family-s-200million-London-palace-Council-announces-reject-plans-knock-three-Grade-listed-mansions-together.html

[chazzle]

edhistory (John K) - That's great knowledge. The sewer used to get blocked quite frequently even with just the three cottages. It passes under number 1, so don't think it could be upgraded.

steveo - Give the old curmudgeon a red pen and s/he could mark up the spelling and grammar mistakes.

[Alex K]

chazzle Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> There are no new public comments shown since

> Thursday. I guess that means the comments are

> moderated and will appear after they've been

> checked.

How odd! I received an e-mail acknowledging my comment...