Lewisham (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Lewisham has approved the redevelopment of a derelict shopping centre despite objections to a proposed 17-storey tower, sparking debate over urban design.
On Tuesday night, November 18, the Lewisham council unanimously approved the renovation of the Leegate Shopping Centre property, with nearly half of the dwellings being affordable.
After purchasing the land earlier this year, developer London Square was given permission to raise the tallest building from 15 to 17 stories as part of updated plans. The proposals call for the demolition and reconstruction of the 1960s shopping center to create a mixed-use complex with new residences, a community center, commercial space, and a pub.
Additionally, a number of other buildings will be one or two stories taller, and the total number of residences proposed has climbed from 561 to 620.
The mix of residential units will be altered by the proposals, and the percentage of affordable housing by usable room will rise from 36.2% to 46.3%. Of the affordable dwellings, 112 will be intermediate, 149 will be social rent, and the rest will be private.
Galliard Homes had previously received planning clearance in November 2024, but after London Square acquired the property, a new application was filed. The site’s intentions go all the way back to 2016, when Modwen Developments Ltd. was granted permission to renovate the property, including plans for an Asda supermarket.
London Square’s designs had been contested by locals and local organisations like the Lee Manor Society. The council’s own Local Plan for Lee Green was cited by the objectors.
Mr Bucks said:
“London Square’s contempt for Lee and the conservation area is reflected in its initial re-branding of the development as ‘Blackheath Gate’ – it didn’t even acknowledge Lee in its marketing blurb. It’s reviewing that now as you’ve heard but it apparently cares little for the impact this proposed development would have on the area.”
Lewisham’s Local Plan states that Lee as a district centre is not suitable for tall buildings above 12 storeys. If a 17-storey building is allowed it would surely be a precedent for more, so we are now calling on you to do the right thing and amend this grim proposal for a 17-storey block which would overwhelm a historic part of the borough.
When it came to closing statements, Cllr Jack Lavery who sits on the committee, said:
“I think we just need to bear in mind that we do have this recently consented scheme, this is a minor material amendment application here tonight which is offering 89 extra affordable homes – 35 of those will be social homes and the others an intermediate product [that] I think are shared ownership.”
So I think I recognise there are some trade-offs and I recognise that the increase in height of that tower hasn’t been well received by everybody but I would like to propose that we accept officers’ recommendations here.
The plans were ultimately approved by all councillors who were sitting on the committee and were eligible to vote.
Which local businesses will be affected and what support is offered?
Local businesses affected by the Lewisham Shopping Centre redevelopment include small retailers, independent shops, cafés, and request dealers presently operating within the centre and girding high road area. Some displaced businesses are offered help to dislocate temporarily or permanently within the new development or other corridor of Lewisham city centre.
Eligible small businesses may pierce council subventions or low- interest loans to help with transitioning during construction phases. The council provides shops, mentoring, and networking openings to help businesses acclimatize, introduce, and grow, particularly fastening on digital chops and marketing.
The inventors engage constantly with original business groups to ensure enterprises are heard and mitigation plans evolve consequently. These measures aim to minimize dislocation, sustain entrepreneurship, and insure profitable benefits from the rejuvenescence are inclusive and extensively participated.
