Planning Group Review 2025

The Planning Group conducts an annual review of activities. We have completed the review of 2025.

2025 saw a lower overall volume of planning applications than previous years: our 11 volunteers screened a total of 567 planning applications in addition to a significant effort was expended on a number of major developments:

• Blackheath Station Car Park: This application demanded considerable effort and time in examination. Crucially, our direct intervention and liaison with residents and councillors led to the decision being deferred pending further investigation.

• Lewisham Shopping Centre: We actively made representations regarding this major application, focusing our efforts specifically on concerns around building height and the impact on local views.

• Leegate Application: Extending our support beyond our core conservation area, we dedicated time to assisting the neighbouring Lee community in navigating this development.

The Society is increasingly adopting a nuanced approach to planning, focusing on constructive conditions rather than pure objections, which successfully led to four refusals, one withdrawal, and numerous favourable modifications to proposed works.

You can access the full review here Planning Group Review 2025

Society Planning Group Worked Hard in 2024

Planning Group Review 2024

The Society planning group, consisting of 10 volunteers, reviews planning applications and also issues of planning policy for Blackheath, involving both Lewisham and Greenwich Councils.

In 2024, we examined a total of 628 planning applications for building and tree works. This was 7% down on 2023. This total embraces a huge range of project complexity, ranging from minor works on trees to major projects involving weeks of work and in some cases liaison with residents. 39 of these applications were examined in detail, and submissions made to the relevant council.   

You can find a detailed report and analysis of our activity here.

SOUTHEASTERN TRAINS TIMETABLE CHANGES 11 DECEMBER 2022

Major changes are being proposed to the services in our area including the removal of the off-peak
Waterloo and Charing Cross trains via Blackheath

There are a number of petitions: 

  • Local councillors and MP Janet Daby have organised a petition which is available to sign in the Age Exchange Cafe.


The Blackheath Society is strongly opposed to these changes and has written to Steve White MD of Southeastern Trains, the Department for Transport, local MPs and other stakeholders. A copy of our letter can be seen here together with a detailed list of our objections and critique of Southeastern Trains'  FAQs. 

The Society has also prepared some notes which you might find useful in preparing an objection.   Personalising your experience can increase impact particularly if you can explain how these changes affect you. It is important that as many members as possible make their own views known. 

Southeastern have asked for feedback on these timetable changes to be submitted via their website here: https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/help-and-contact/get-in-touch/contact-us

We also suggest that you write to:


The Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP
Secretary of State for Transport
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Rd
London SW1P 4DR 

Transport Focus 
Anthony Smith Esq,
Chief Executive
Transport Focus   
Albany House
94-98 Petty France
London SW1H 9EA. 
anthony.smith@transportfocus.org.uk

London Travelwatch 
Ms Janet Cooke,
Chief Executive
London TravelWatch
Europoint 5,
11 Lavington Street
London SE1 0NZ
info@londontravelwatch.org.uk

MPs 
Clive Efford, Eltham  clive.efford.mp@parliament.uk  
Janet Daby, Lewisham East janet.daby.mp@parliament.uk
Matthew Pennycook, Greenwich & Woolwich matthew.pennycook.mp@parliament.uk,

Greenwich Blackheath Westcombe Ward Councillors 
Fletcher Leo Cllr Leo.Fletcher@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
Mariam Lolavar Mariam.Lolavar@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
Christine St Matthew-Daniel Christine.StMatthew-Daniel2@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
Averil Lekau, Greenwich's Transport Strategy averil.lekau@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

Lewisham Blackheath Ward Councillors
Cllr Juliet Campbell Juliet.Campbell@lewisham.gov.uk
Cllr Amanda DeRyk amanda.deryk@lewisham.gov.uk
Cllr Luke Warner Luke.Warner@lewisham.gov.uk

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The Blackheath Christmas Lights Switch-On Saturday 3rd December 2022

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Save the date and join us to celebrate Christmas with the switching on of the Christmas lights in the village.

The Society has been working hard with the Village Traders and Lewisham Council to improve the Christmas light celebrations in the Village this year. Jimmy Botton from the regular Family Fun Fair that comes to Royal Parade is kindly donating a Christmas tree. The Grand Switch On will be at 4.30pm on Saturday, 3rd December 2022

If you would like to donate towards the expense of the Christmas Lights please contact the Society.