‘Battle of Blackheath’: Strictly star Sarah Hadland demands to know why council set to ‘destroy’ village
Actor Sarah Hadland wants to know why her local council is preparing to “destroy” her village as she talks about the famous planning row dubbed the “Battle of Blackheath”.
Controversy has engulfed the picturesque corner of south-east London as a celebrity-backed campaign group fights against a proposed housing project on the station car park, which is home to the village’s thriving farmers’ market.
Developer Acorn Property Group has submitted plans to build 20 houses and 25 flats across three blocks of four and five storeys.
So far Lewisham Council has received more than 1,200 objections to the plans. A village worth saving He described it as “unprecedented”. The council postponed its decision in January following criticism, and the decision is expected later this year.
Former Strictly Come Dancing finalist Miss Hadland, who lives in Blackheath with her child, condemned the plans along with actors Jude Law and Dominic Cooper, who grew up in the area. LBC Host Nick Ferrari is one of the current locals.
Ms. Hadland told Independent: “Never in their wildest dreams did the developers imagine they would get their hands on the Battle of Blackheath…
“For me, what really matters is the security of the village. You destroy a village full of families. They come and destroy livelihoods and security, and then they take away millions.
“I would really like the council to explain. This is confusing. I want the council to respond because I would like to know any reasons they give and as a resident I would like to be given the chance to challenge it. “We pay a lot of council tax here so what good is it for us?…
“The impact on the village will be huge and negative, as far as I can see it will only benefit the developers, who will come in and cause tons of noise, pollution, destruction and then walk away with millions.”
Urging the council to reconsider the plans, Mr Cooper said anything less would be a “devastating betrayal of voters”.
Residents emphasize that they understand the urgent need to build more homes, but argue that this should not be done in a way that is contrary to the interests of the community.
Blackheath is a conservation area; It was the first area designated in London in 1968. Residential streets are lined with well-preserved Georgian and Victorian buildings, while the leafy main street is lined with independent cafes and bookshops.
It is described by those who live there as a “special place” with “real community spirit” and “real village character”.
Ms Hadland is among those who fear the future of the farmers’ market in Blackheath and the knock-on effect on local businesses on Sundays, the reduction of more than 150 spaces in the car park and the impact of the proposed development on the primary school and residents.
Speaking of the fight against the proposals, Ms Hadland, who has lived here for two decades, said: “People say it’s nimbyism; it’s not, I’m one of those people. It’s crazy.”
“I think they rely on the fact that people won’t complain or won’t feel uncomfortable complaining…
“When you talk to people in different parts of the country, they say something similar happened to them. Then when people complain they say it’s bullshit and people feel like they can’t say it.”
Locals have expressed fears that the “battle of Blackheath” could soon be repeated across the UK as the government pledges to deliver 40,000 homes in housing projects around railway stations over the next 10 years.
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said he plans to step up construction on previously developed urban land and intervene in the face of local opposition if necessary, in a bid to unlock so-called “unused” land.
Mrs. Hadland promised not to give up the fight at Blackheath; for the village and its people, for other places in the UK struggling in a similar way, and also for her child. He said he could not allow them to walk to school on their own if the development continued, citing the extra congestion and all building materials being moved around the village, which could be “incredibly dangerous”.
“It’s hard to explain this to your child,” Hadland said. “Our village will literally be destroyed and you won’t be able to walk to school. ‘So why are they allowed to build that mummy?’ Because they have a lot of money and they want to earn more.”
But the row has revealed the strength of the Blackheath community and Ms Hadland believes the “David and Goliath” nature of the fight is part of what has caused it to attract such widespread attention.
He said: “It’s a bit of a David and Goliath thing: these big developers, why are they allowed to do this? Because they make so much money…
“That’s not true. I think the community has really come together. We’re going to pursue this. I’m not going to stop campaigning; I feel very strongly about that. I think it’s really important. There’s a spirit of community, we’ve all got to look out for each other.”
Mr Cooper added: “Residents are not anti-development; instead, they are demanding development that is fair, responsible and puts local people at the heart of decision-making. “Going forward with a proposal of this magnitude that provides so little social and affordable housing, prioritizes developers’ profits and ignores overwhelming public opposition would represent a devastating betrayal of voters.
“Lewisham Council must reconsider the plan – anything less would fail in its duty to the public it serves.”
A spokesperson for Acorn Property Group said they were currently gathering additional information requested following the Jan. 27 council meeting.
He said: “Our proposals are the result of four years of dedicated engagement with the local community, planning officers, stakeholders and consultants and have been thoroughly reviewed and supported by Lewisham’s independent Design Review Panel.”
They added that parking availability had been reduced in response to the policy encouraging sustainable travel close to train stations and accommodation in sustainable locations.
They argued the “more sustainable and safer” development would deliver “significant public benefits”, with 21 per cent of the 45 new homes being socially rented.
They continued: “The Farmers’ Market will return to the site with improved amenities such as electricity, water and earth anchors providing a permanent home. Adjacent to the station, a new urban square will be created, offering safer commuter cycle parking and the opportunity for pop-ups or additional market stalls throughout the week. A new, much safer, fully pedestrian route will be created from Tranquil Vale, so parents and children will not have to pass through a car park to get to school.”
They added that London Farmers’ Markets, which runs the Blackheath market, also supported the proposals. Independent approached them for further comment.
A Lewisham Council spokesman said: “The Blackheath Station Car park application was deferred following the Planning Committee meeting at the end of January because members were not satisfied they had the information required to make a fully informed decision.
“Councillors in particular were clear that they needed stronger and more detailed evidence about the potential impact of the proposals on Blackheath’s economy.
“Delaying the application ensures that residents’ concerns are properly taken into account and that any decisions are made with a full understanding of the potential impacts on local businesses and the wider area. Our priority is to achieve the best possible outcome for Blackheath.”
