Mysterious development on Dacres Road

[updated 19/5/25 with additional information at the end]

Like many locals who have contacted the Forest Hill Society about this, we’ve been watching developments on the small plot of land on the corner of Perry Vale and Dacres Road and wondering what is happening. 

First, most of the vegetation was removed and the old low fence replaced with high wooden panels.  Then concrete was poured over most of the site to create hard standing.  Most recently barbed wire and fancy metal gates have been added. 

Enquiries at the Perry Vale Ward Assembly meeting earlier in the year drew a blank.  There’s no sign of a planning application on Lewisham’s website, although we did find a Tree Protection Order from 2013.  It lists 4 of the trees being granted protection, and it does seem that those 4 trees are still standing.

We’ve written to Planning Enforcement at Lewisham to express our concerns about the placement of the gates.  Their location indicates that vehicles are intended to access the site by crossing the pavement from the corner of the junction, just where the dropped kerb and tactile paving for pedestrians is located.  Obviously this is totally inappropriate.

We have asked Lewisham:

·       If they are aware of the activity on the site and what plans the owner has for it;

·       If planning permission has been sought for change of use;

·       If an application has been made for a pavement crossover for vehicle access.

We’ll let you know what we hear. If you have any insights into this development, or its impact on the local area, please let us know in the comments

Update - 19/5/25

Having written to, and chased, the Lewisham Planning Enforcement team, we have recently been told that as a result of our enquiry, but also many others from concerned residents, they are investigating this development. When we have more information on what action is taken, if any, we will update this further.