Supermarket chain Aldi have submitted plans to Lewisham Council to demolish the landmark gasholders (or gasometers) at Bell Green, Lower Sydenham and build a food store and coffee shop.
Local residents voiced their concerns about the removal of the gasholders and the impact of another supermarket (there is already a Sainsbury’s hypermarket on site with many other supermarkets relatively close) at Bell Green at the AGM of the Sydenham Society held last night Tuesday 4th April 2017 in the Grade II Listed Livesey Hall.
Residents raised the concerns over air quality through increased lorry and car traffic. A petition opposing the development is here:
Bellingham Councillor Alan Hall said: “These landmark gas holders are an historic part of this site and directly related to the attractive Grade II Livesey Hall and Grade ll war memorial which were built for the benefit and commemoration of generations of gas workers who once worked here.
“I hope that Historic England and the Council will fully consider the case for their retention. This will allow for imaginative and sustainable development, including housing, on the Bell Green site.”
He went on to say: “Any one with views on this planning application should send them to planning@lewisham.gov.uk before 18th April.”
Hopefully scrapped. It also provides no residential. Big box retail with large car parks is a waste of land with such a housing shortage. There’s precedent in stopping plans due to this. Southwark blocked a Lidl on Old Kent Road for that reason.