Following the decision of Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, to ‘take over’ Hutchison Whampoa’s planning application to develop the Convoy’s Wharf site I have written to the Mayor to request a meeting at the first opportunity.
In the letter I said:
"I understand that you are now to determine the planning application for the above development which is in my constituency. I would like to meet with you at the first opportunity, as I have been involved in all the proposed redevelopments over the decade since the site was closed.
"You will know that Convoys Wharf occupies the site of Henry VIII's naval shipyard and also encompasses the land on which John Evelyn had his manor house and extensive gardens. As such this site ought to be an archaeological and heritage jewel in London’s crown. However it was systematically overlooked until local campaigners demanded more attention was given to it.
"It is extremely disappointing that Hutchison Whampoa has taken this step.
"We all understand the difficulties that any company will have in seeking to maximise profit while respecting a unique heritage site. We were very hopeful that an understanding with Hutchison Whampoa had been reached with myself and local people on the inclusion of very substantial heritage projects that had already attracted significant support from national heritage and environmental organisations. Furthermore we believe that Lewisham Council has faithfully represented these local aspirations and concerns in their deliberations over the outline planning application.
"Five years of effort by large numbers of people have gone into this scheme and I am extremely anxious that this should not be swept aside.
"I hope you will agree to our meeting soon."
I will be trying to persuade the Mayor to recognise the immense heritage value of this site both to local people and the people of London. The development needs to reflect Deptford’s extraordinary past while meeting local needs and fitting into the local environment.
In the letter I said:
"I understand that you are now to determine the planning application for the above development which is in my constituency. I would like to meet with you at the first opportunity, as I have been involved in all the proposed redevelopments over the decade since the site was closed.
"You will know that Convoys Wharf occupies the site of Henry VIII's naval shipyard and also encompasses the land on which John Evelyn had his manor house and extensive gardens. As such this site ought to be an archaeological and heritage jewel in London’s crown. However it was systematically overlooked until local campaigners demanded more attention was given to it.
"It is extremely disappointing that Hutchison Whampoa has taken this step.
"We all understand the difficulties that any company will have in seeking to maximise profit while respecting a unique heritage site. We were very hopeful that an understanding with Hutchison Whampoa had been reached with myself and local people on the inclusion of very substantial heritage projects that had already attracted significant support from national heritage and environmental organisations. Furthermore we believe that Lewisham Council has faithfully represented these local aspirations and concerns in their deliberations over the outline planning application.
"Five years of effort by large numbers of people have gone into this scheme and I am extremely anxious that this should not be swept aside.
"I hope you will agree to our meeting soon."
I will be trying to persuade the Mayor to recognise the immense heritage value of this site both to local people and the people of London. The development needs to reflect Deptford’s extraordinary past while meeting local needs and fitting into the local environment.
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