More than a hundred people have signed a petition against new ‘in-fill’ housing being built on land and garages in Nunhead’s Priory Court estate.
Southwark Council has put forward proposals to build new homes on the site of twelve garages by Reynolds Road, currently used by businesses and residents, and land at the corner of Stuart Road and Cheltenham Road – including the estate’s former TRA Hall.
Southwark Council says it could build a total of nine new homes – all at social rent – which could be completed as early as summer 2023 pending on submitting and being granted planning approval. It also says it would find another location’ for Little Village, a Lottery funded project donating baby and children’s items for families in need currently based in the hall, all while protecting green spaces.
A project group, involving residents, was held in June and has helped create a brief for architects’ to develop the first suggested designs.
Residents’ requests included: improved or increased shared outside space, ‘doorstep play’, better recycling facilities, bike storage, balcony box repairs for a food growing scheme, more planting, good lighting, and electric car charging.
In September we reported that a group of residents had split from Rye Hill TRA and formed a new Priory Court residents’ association to object to the scheme, protesting against the loss of green space, with Abel Nwanokwai selected as chair.
A first meeting had more than 30 out of the block’s 75 residents in attendance worried about loss of light, space, and the impact on congestion and tradespeople who use garages for storage, with meetings continuing each week as they ramp up the campaign – saying the council is ‘racing ahead’ with the plans.
One attendee, Siobhan McCarthy, told the News last week: “There has been a barely existent consultation process with residents and surrounding neighbours.
“We feel as if the council is trying to sneak this proposal through. And all for just nine flats.”
Another resident said she had written to her ward councillors three times highlighting concerns but has yet to receive a reply.
The News understands businesses to use the garages include two gardeners, two chimney sweeps, an events business, and a carpenter.
They say they have received no notice of the planned demolition and have not been invited to take part in the consultation.
The garages are also seen as one of the only safe storage sites for motorbikes- with a string of thefts and attempted thefts taking place in the estate.
Infill housing – building on ‘underused’ or ‘spare’ land identified in existing estates, and rooftop developments on existing blocks – are some of the novel ways the council hopes to work around land shortages to achieve its target of 11,000 new council homes by 2043.
Southwark Council’s housing cabinet member, Leo Pollak, said he was keen to work with Priory Court’s community to find the best way forward.
“We’re at a very early stage of consultation with residents to build new council homes and alleviate overcrowding on the estate and in the immediate area, as well as make improvements to the estate based on residents’ priorities,” he said.
“With housing in Nunhead becoming more expensive it’s imperative we work with residents to bring forward projects that preserve the area as a genuine mixed community.
“Myself and ward councillors have met with residents over the past few days and held the first of many drop-ins attended by 26 people – it’s clear that most residents want to see existing green spaces protected and enhanced, and are keen to work with the council and architects to find the best solutions.
“Residents are already writing the brief that the architect works towards so I’m confident that any proposals that come forward will authentically reflect the needs and interests of Priory Court residents.”