Lewisham planning news
Lewisham planning news, newest first: applications, appeals and committee decisions, each story linked back to the council file.
Top story
Lewisham Student Housing: Council to Discourage New Blocks
Lewisham has approved 2,865 student bedspaces against a draft London Plan target of 878. Cabinet votes on 4 November on consulting over discouraging new blocks.
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Planning
Lewisham Shopping Centre Rebuild Put on Hold by Landsec
Landsec has put its approved 1,700-home Lewisham Shopping Centre rebuild on hold. The centre stays open, and the council wants more social rent homes.
Planning
Deptford Reach: Greenwich Backs 254 Homes After Lewisham No
Greenwich voted on 13 October to grant its 254-home half of the former Lewisham College scheme. It cannot go ahead unless Lewisham's refusal is overturned.
Planning
Lewisham Planning: Call-ins and 10-Objection Rule Have Ended
Since 31 October, ten objections or a councillor call-in no longer sends a Lewisham application to committee. How the council's new four-stage test works.
Planning
Deptford Reach Refused 4-0, Houseboats Added as Reason
Lewisham councillors voted 4-0 to refuse 548 homes at the former Lewisham College, adding loss of sunlight to houseboats as a reason. Greenwich has deferred.
Planning
Lewisham Shopping Centre Petition: 4,615 Names Reach Council
The 4,615-name Save Lewisham Shopping Centre petition went to Full Council on 23 September, after the Mayor asked for it to be heard despite the council's own rules.
Planning
KFC Signs Planned for Lewisham's 1937 Woolworths Building
A KFC franchisee has applied for illuminated signs at 142-144 Lewisham High Street, the empty unit in the Art Deco former Woolworths. The council validated it on 22 September.
Planning
Blackheath Station Car Park Listed as Community Asset
Lewisham has listed Blackheath station car park as an asset of community value, and fresh consultation letters on the 45-home plan went out on 21 September.
Planning
Former Lewisham College: 802-Home Towers Split Councils
Officers advise Lewisham to refuse 802 homes in towers up to 30 storeys by Deptford Creek, while Greenwich's advise approval. Committees vote 24 September.
New Cross
Besson Street: 383-Home Decision Now Due by 29 January 2027
New Cross's Besson Street scheme would grow from 324 to 383 homes and its tallest tower from 12 to 18 storeys. The council has until 29 January 2027 to decide.
Ladywell
Ladywell Station Plan: Vacant Shop To Get Own Front Door
Plans would refurbish Ladywell station's vacant shop, turn a window into its own entrance and repair cracked walls. Decision due by 24 September.
Catford
St Dunstan's College Plans £10.5m Pool And Sixth Form Centre
St Dunstan's College wants an eight-lane 25m pool, climbing wall and sixth form centre in Catford, doubling its leisure space. Decision due 2 December.
Catford
Catford Gaming Centre: 47 Gambling Venues, Council Fights Back
Lewisham counts 47 gambling premises and says 38,000 residents are affected. The Catford Broadway gaming centre it refused was won on appeal, and a new application is now in.
Sydenham
Longton Avenue flats approved: 20 homes, none affordable
Councillors backed a five-storey block of 20 flats opposite Sydenham Wells Park on 12 August, against 41 objections. The developer will pay £67,246 instead of building affordable homes.
Downham
Downham McDonald's can open until 1am after council vote
The Garden Gate McDonald's on Old Bromley Road can stay open an hour later, seven nights a week. Councillors voted unanimously on 12 August, with conditions on noise, parking and litter.
Lewisham
Riverdale Sculpture Park bridge plan filed, works in 2027
Lewisham wants to replace the southern footbridge over the Ravensbourne with an 8.5m-wide crossing. A decision is due by 3 September, delivery in 2027.
Catford
Home Bargains Catford: Open 8am to 8pm, Sundays 10 to 4
Home Bargains Catford opened on 3 October at 10 Beckenham Hill Road, SE6: 8am to 8pm, Sundays 10 to 4. Parking, buses, Christmas hours and nearest stores.