Proposals for the development of affordable homes on Evelyn St, Lewisham

London & Quadrant Housing Trust (L&Q) is keen to reassure local people that there is no intention to spoil any existing open space in Lewisham. As a not-for-profit housing association L&Q has been selected to build affordable new homes, in partnership with Lewisham Council, on a neglected and overgrown site on Evelyn Street.

The site will provide much needed affordable homes for local people, utilising a currently underused space. Additionally L&Q will rebuild the current community building used as a nursery. Whilst we looked at other potential areas around the park for possible building of new homes these were discounted by us as we felt it would be detrimental to the park and to those who use it.

Consultation on the proposals, although not a legal requirement, was carried out under the guidance of the Council. This included an open day at the park. Not unnaturally some people raised objections following consultation but in the main were in favour of affordable homes being provided. We concede that the consultation could have been organised differently but we believe that the approach was reasonable and additional to statutory requirements. We believe Lewisham’s Planning Committee took the results and the results of their own statutory consultation into account when reaching its decision.

Director of L&Q, David Gannicott, said: "While we appreciate that some local people see this development as impinging on their space, the site itself cannot be counted as the same as the park behind it. This neglected piece of land, fronting the main road, could become one that provides new community facilities and affordable homes for about 35 households. Local people may not realise the extent of the demand for affordable homes. L&Q takes the environment seriously and has carefully weighed up the pros and cons of losing a very small part of this open space, but making the site work more effectively for the local community."

According to recent figures more than 15,000 people are on the housing list in Lewisham with more than 2000 households in temporary accommodation. Of all the London Boroughs Lewisham is second in the league of those needing affordable homes (after Newham). L&Q is proud of being part of the efforts to help deal with this problem, by building attractive homes in the borough, with around 1,500 planned on suitable sites.

Deptford Park covers around 18 acres of land. The proposed development site would utilise 1 acre of open space that is currently neglected, under-used and a local eyesore.

At present we have no plans to discontinue our proposals.

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