Celebrities Back Campaign Against Blackheath Station Housing Development

High profile figures have joined a growing campaign urging Lewisham Council to block plans for a new housing development at Blackheath station car park, adding fresh pressure ahead of a key planning vote. Actors Dominic Cooper and Sarah Hadland are the latest names to oppose the proposal, which would see 45 new homes built on the site in the heart of Blackheath Village. Both have accused the council of disregarding strong local opposition and failing to listen to residents and businesses who say the scheme would damage the character of the area. Campaigners argue they are not opposed to new housing in principle but want development that reflects local needs and respects the setting. More than a thousand formal objections have been submitted, alongside letters from community groups, schools and traders. An open letter signed by several well known figures with links to the area has also been sent to councillors.

The proposed scheme by Acorn Property Group includes a mix of terraced houses and flats across two new blocks, rising to four and five storeys. Planning documents show the development would replace the existing station car park, raising concerns about the loss of parking spaces and the knock on impact for nearby streets. Residents have also questioned the scale of the buildings, potential loss of light and how construction could affect the popular Blackheath Farmers Market, which currently operates on the site each week. Opponents say the level of social and affordable housing offered is too low given the size of the project and the value of the land. They argue the plans prioritise developer returns over long term benefits for the community. The council has confirmed it will not comment publicly until councillors make a final decision on the application.

Supporters of the scheme point to the need for new homes in London and say the development would deliver wider improvements to the area. The developer has said the plans would provide dozens of new properties, including family sized homes and a proportion of socially rented housing. It has also argued that the project would secure the future of the farmers market, improve pedestrian access around the station and nearby school, and upgrade local infrastructure. Council planning officers have recommended approval, subject to a lengthy list of conditions covering design, access and mitigation measures. The proposal is due to be decided at a council meeting this week, with the outcome likely to be closely watched by housing campaigners and local residents alike as debates over development and community impact continue across the capital.