Policy information sourced from the Lewisham Local Plan

LWA2 Connected network of town centres

Strategic Objectives:

A An open Lewisham as part of an open London,

B Housing tailored to the community with genuinely affordable homes,

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 The West Area contains an historic network of town centres that serve its neighbourhoods and communities. Development proposals must respond positively to this network and help to secure the long-term vitality and viability of the centres by:

  • Preserving and enhancing their distinctive and historic character, including townscape, building and shopfront features;
  • Making provision for a wide range of appropriate main town centre uses that build on the economic strengths and unique attributes of each of the centres, whilst seeking to ensure they complement and do not compete with one another; and
  • Improving connections between the centres by:
    1. Delivering public realm enhancements to facilitate safe and convenient movement by walking and cycling along main roads and routes linking the centres; and
    2. Making provision for highly accessible, safe and attractive interchanges at key public transport nodes, including stations.

B Brockley Cross, Crofton Park, Honor Oak / Brockley Rise and Kirkdale and Ladywell are designated as Local Centres reflecting the complementary role each plays in the provision of local services and community facilities within their neighbourhoods.

C Within the West Area’s town and local centres, development proposals for meanwhile uses on vacant sites and properties will be supported in order to facilitate their return to active use, in line with Policy DM5 (Meanwhile uses). Meanwhile uses of spaces catered for micro businesses, including independent traders, and community uses will be strongly encouraged.

D Development proposals should support the growth and evolution of Forest Hill district centre and its surrounds as a key hub of creative, cultural and community activity, in line with Policy LWA 3 (Forest Hill district centre and surrounds).

E The renewal of Sydenham District Centre will be supported in order to secure its long term vitality and viability. Development proposals should contribute to the renewal and revitalisation of the town centre by:

  • Seeking opportunities to repair the structure and fabric of the centre through the sensitive redevelopment and infilling of sites, particularly those which detract from the historic character and urban grain that is still evident;
  • Delivering public realm improvements to make the centre a more accessible, welcoming and attractive place to visit, particularly at key arrival points around Sydenham station and at the western and eastern edges of the centre, along Kirkdale and Sydenham Road; and
  • Making provision for a diverse mix of main town centre uses (including shops, services and community facilities) that reinforce the role of the centre in Lewisham’s town centre hierarchy, and ensure it both supports and complements significant new development planned in the Bell Green and Lower Sydenham area.

F The renewal of Kirkdale Local Centre will be supported in order to secure its long-term vitality and viability. Development proposals must contribute to area improvements through high quality designs that help to create a more cohesive and positive relationship between the centre and neighbouring properties and sites, including the Willow Way LSIS and redeveloped former Sydenham police station.

G The continued renewal of Brockley Cross Local Centre will be supported in order to secure its long-term vitality and viability. Development proposals must contribute to the renewal and revitalisation of the centre by:

  • Reinforcing its distinctive character, particularly by maintaining a diverse mix of uses and responding positively to its historic character;
  • Seeking opportunities to support and make provision of workspace for the cultural and creative industries, building on the existing cluster of activities to complement and strengthen relationships with the Forest Hill Cultural Quarter and Lewisham Creative Enterprise Zone; and
  • Delivering public realm improvements at the western approach to Brockley station to improve access and sense of arrival.

H Development proposals should help to secure the long-term vitality and viability of the Local Centres at Crofton Park, Ladywell, and Honor Oak/Brockley Rise by:

  • Reinforcing their distinctive and historic character, particularly by maintaining a diverse mix of main town centre uses and improving shopfronts;
  • Delivering public realm enhancements to improve access and sense of arrival to and around train stations located in proximity to the centres; and
  • Seeking to alleviate vehicle congestion by improving the walking and cycle environment.

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