Deptford Appendix B1 , item 335. PDF 57 KB - Council meetings

Helen Ferguson
Programme Management
5 th Floor Laurence House
Catford
London SE6 4RU
direct line 020 8314 7074
helen.ferguson@lewisham.gov.uk
date 01/06/2012
Dear Tenant
PLEASE READ THIS LETTER CAREFULLY
IT CONCERNS THE FUTURE OF ALL PROPERTIES IN
Nos. 22-80 Giffin Street SE8 4RH / Nos. 82-150 Giffin Street SE8 4RJ / Nos. 2-30A
Reginald Road SE8 4RY
IT ALSO EXPLAINS HOW YOU CAN PROVIDE US WITH YOUR VIEWS ABOUT THE
COUNCIL’S PROPOSALS
I am writing to consult you about the Council’s proposals to build a new housing development
on the site of the old Tidemill School and surrounding sites of Reginald Road, Frankham
Street and Giffin Street. If the development goes ahead, it would involve the demolition of the
properties noted above and provide existing secure tenants affected by the demolition the
opportunity to move into a new home in the development (or be re-housed elsewhere in the
Borough through Lewisham Home Search (the Council’s choice-based lettings scheme
through which almost all social housing in the borough is allocated) should this be the
preferred alternative). This letter is a formal consultation under Section 105 of the Housing
Act 1985, and is within the arrangements which the Council maintains for this purpose.
Background
In 2008, the Future of Deptford Town Centre team consulted local residents on options for
the Giffin Street housing blocks and the current Tidemill School site. Early discussions
focused on placing additional housing on the ends of the blocks at 22-80 Giffin Street and
82-150 Giffin Street. However, feedback from residents showed that many were dissatisfied
with their current accommodation. As a result a wider redevelopment scheme was
investigated that would build new homes and then demolish these blocks on Giffin street as
well as 2-30A Reginald Road. Work was undertaken to find out whether this proposal was
practical and affordable; however before it could be completed the global financial crisis hit
and this work had to be put on hold.
The Council has looked into the feasibility of proceeding with the wider redevelopment
scheme and is now in a position to approach the market for a housing developer. This
consultation is asking your views on our proposal for a wider redevelopment scheme.
Demolition and Decant Arrangements
If the scheme proceeds, the buildings would be demolished in three phases. The phasing
options are shown on the plans enclosed with this letter. These phases are designed so that
new homes are built before a demolition begins. This means that tenants will only move

once, straight into their new home. It is proposed that demolition is carried out in the
following phases:
Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3
Addresses 2-30A Reginald Road 22-80 Giffin Street 82-150 Giffin Street
included
Total 16 30 35
Arrangements for re-housing tenants will depend on the developer’s proposals. The Council
will carry out further consultation with tenants on the final proposals once these are known.
This is likely to take place in Spring 2013, once a housing developer has been selected.
This process is likely to take a few years and as with any large scale redevelopment scheme,
the details included in this letter may be likely to change. However, subject to a housing
developer being appointed, the funding and all the other approvals which may be necessary
for the scheme to proceed being in place, the Council currently anticipates that construction
would commence in January 2014 with the first demolition phase to begin later that year.
The Consultation Process
The Council has been consulting with residents over the last few years by holding
consultation events in Deptford town centre. In April 2012 a resident’s meeting was held to
discuss the future housing redevelopment scheme. As part of this consultation process we
will hold drop in sessions in the new Deptford Lounge on the following dates:
Wednesday 13 th June 4-6pm
Thursday 14 th June 6-8pm
The Council is seeking your views on the proposals set out in this letter. If you and any other
secure tenant in your home wish to make any representations about any aspect of these
proposals and their affect as outlined in this letter, you must do so please by no later than
12 noon on Friday 29 June 2012. The representations should be in writing and sent to the
following address:
Helen Ferguson
The Future of Deptford Town Centre Programme Team
Programme Management
5 th Floor, Laurence House
1 Catford Road
London SE6 4RU
Comments can be made on the separate sheet accompanying this letter or by sending
comments to DeptfordTownCentre@lewisham.gov.uk
You can also write and submit your comments at one of our drop in sessions noted above.
All representations received by the time specified will be considered by Mayor and Cabinet
before deciding whether or not to approve the demolition at a meeting to be held on
Wednesday 11 July 2012.
Yours sincerely
Helen Ferguson
Project Manager