"DEVELOPERS planning to build “eco-housing” on what they claim is derelict land are facing the fury of residents who say it is an important ecological habitat.
The proposed development boasts “eco-friendly homes” on “largely vacant and derelict land” in Forest Hill.
However, residents opposing the plans say only a small part of the site behind Tyson Road is derelict and most of it is woodland and green space, home to a protected species of stag beetles.
Andrew Wood, who is opposing the development, said: “Everyone thinks this is crazy as the site already supports a fantastic biodiversity and is a great open space.
“All the experts say gardens play a vital role in sustaining biodiversity in urban areas, so why aren’t the planners protecting them?
“It’s this whole garden grabbing issue again – it seems to be open season on green spaces in Forest Hill.”
Opponents claim the developer is trying to hide the fact that the area is already an important environmental space by producing a report that says there is no evidence of stag beetles.
Mr Wood added: “We don’t have many protected species in Lewisham so wouldn’t it be a good idea to preserve one of the few that we do have?”
The development plan, which has been submitted to Lewisham council for consideration, is for 76 flats and has been scaled down following public response to an original 84-flat proposal.
Stuart Cuncliffe, project director for developers Loromah Estates, said: “All the proposed buildings would have “green” or “living” roofs, some of which would form wildflower meadows.
“There are a range of measures to encourage biodiversity.”
But Mr Wood said: “A development that is a death sentence for local trees and wildlife doesn’t get any better by giving it a green roof and putting up a few bat boxes.”
The site contains two partly-derelict houses, a derelict brick building and around 20 garages.
But a large part of the land is green space with trees and plants.
The original plan resulted in 193 individual objections and six petitions against it, and Mr Wood is expecting a similar level of resistance again.
By Michael Stringer
This article was published on Friday the 28th of November 2008 and is written by Michael Stringer.
The whole article can be read here: http://www.southlondonpress.co.uk/tn/News.cfm?id=26347&headline=Fury+at+Forest+Hill+eco-plan
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