Strategic Objectives:

A An open Lewisham as part of an open London,

C A thriving local economy that tackles inequalities,

D A greener borough,

E Responding to the climate emergency,

F Celebrating our local identity,

G Healthy and safe communities,

H Securing the timely delivery of infrastructure.

A Development proposals must contribute to the delivery of Good Growth with reference to Policy OL1 (Delivering an Open Lewisham) and in doing so, demonstrate how they have responded positively to and will support the achievement of the key spatial objectives for the East Area.

B Development proposals affecting the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site Buffer Zone must protect and preserve the significance, integrity and authenticity of its ‘Outstanding Universal Value’, as well as its setting and the views to and from it, with reference to Policy HE2 (Designated heritage assets).

C Development proposals must respond positively to the historic and village character of Blackheath District Centre and its wider setting, as well the architectural qualities of buildings that contribute to its local distinctiveness. A wide range of commercial, cultural and community uses will be supported within the centre in order to secure its long-term vitality and viability. A carefully managed approach to new development will be taken to maintain the centre’s village character and reinforce its role in supporting the visitor, evening and night-time economy, whilst ensuring the locality benefits from a high standard of amenity. The Healthy Streets Approach will be supported in and around Blackheath Village to improve accessibility by walking and cycling.

D Development proposals must support the transformation of the South Circular (A205), Lee High Road (A20), Burnt Ash Road/Baring Road (A2212) and Lee Road (A212) by applying the Healthy Streets Approach in accordance with Policy TR3 (Healthy streets as part of healthy neighbourhoods). They must be designed to create or enhance walking routes and cycleways through the provision of public realm improvements, positive frontages and active ground floor frontages along the roads, where appropriate.

E The redevelopment and intensification of sites within the Lee Green District Centre and brownfield land fronting the key corridors of Lee High Road (between Weigall Road and Boone Street/Old Road), Baring Road (between Grove Park station and Heather Road/Bramdean Crescent), and along the South Circular will be supported where development proposals respond positively to local character.

F Development proposals should seek to address elements of the built environment that segregate neighbourhoods and places from one another. This includes the consideration of public realm improvements to address severance caused by the South Circular (A205), other major roads and rail lines, particularly within the northeast and southwest parts of the East Area.

G Lee Station is designated a Local Centre reflecting the role it plays in the provision of local services and community facilities, along with its accessible location near Lee station. To help secure the long-term vitality and viability of the centre, development proposals should:

H The sensitive intensification of established residential neighbourhoods will be supported where new development proposals respond positively to their distinctive local and historic character, including the landscape setting. Development proposals must have regard to the Small Sites Guidance SPD, where appropriate.

I Opportunities should be taken to direct new investment to the Grove Park neighbourhood with reference to Policy LEA3 (Strategic Area for Regeneration, Grove Park). Development proposals should respond positively to the character and design qualities of the Chinbrook Estate.

J The network of green infrastructure within the East Area and its surrounds, including outside of the Borough, contributes to the area’s distinctive character and environmental qualities. Development proposals must contribute to protecting and enhancing this network of green infrastructure, with reference to Policy LEA4 (Linear network of green infrastructure).

K Development proposals must help to ensure the East Area benefits from a high quality network of walking routes and cycleways that connect neighbourhoods and places, including green spaces and waterways, with reference to Policy GR4 (Lewisham Links).

L The River Quaggy is a defining feature of the East Area which development proposals must respond positively to. Development proposals must maximise opportunities to improve the ecological quality and amenity value of the river environment, including by facilitating the provision of new and enhanced connections to and along the waterfront. This includes opportunities to deculvert and naturalise the River Quaggy near Lee High Road, as well as to deliver improved access and views to it, particularly around the town centre.

For more information and policy context please see the Lewisham Local Plan