Dame Joan Ruddock 
Former MP for Lewisham Deptford
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Thames Tideway Tunnel - Representations Submitted May 2013

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I do not object to the Thames Tunnel Scheme as a whole. However I vehemently disagree with the decision of Thames Water to site the tunnel to intercept the Deptford Storm Relief combined sewer overflow at Deptford Church Street.

During phase one the preferred site was Bothwick Wharf, however between phase one and phase two the Deptford Church Street site was adopted as the preferred site. This came as a shock to many residents as the site was not part of the phase one consultation. Since its adoption as the ‘preferred site’ residents in the Deptford Church Street area feel that they have had to ‘catch up’ with the residents who were involved in the phase one consultation. 

I strongly object to the siting of these works at Deptford Church Street. This is one of the few patches of green space in an extremely densely populated area. The site is next to a Grade I listed church (St Pauls) and a local primary school (St Josephs). In addition to significant concerns about site noise and dust and the impact this will have on pupils, the school currently uses the site as their emergency evacuation area. The site is also in close proximity to Deptford High Street, with its busy markets and severe traffic congestion. 

The site is adjacent to Deptford Church Street; the current proposal is to close two lanes of this road for a considerable amount of time and have traffic use the remaining two lanes to travel north/south. At present this is an extremely busy stretch of road; it is also on the 47 bus route – one of the stops that will need to be closed is the stop for Wavelengths leisure centre (which is also the stop for the Deptford Lounge Library). There are frequently delays and traffic jams in the area. This would be further exacerbated if the development of the Convoy’s Wharf site proceeds at the same time. The developers of the Convoys site (which is on the river, north of Deptford High Street) have just put in their outline planning application – if it proceeds this will be a significant development over many years covering an area with the same footprint as the Southbank. There are also significant developments planned for both sides of the adjacent main artery, Evelyn Street, over the same period of time.

I believe that the Deptford Church Street site is entirely unsuitable for the use of the Thames Tunnel project. An alternative site should be found and preferable one that has river access so that construction materials and waste could take advantage of water transport. 


This website was established while I was the Member of Parliament for Lewisham Deptford. 

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