Campaigners in Blackheath are fighting plans to build 45 homes on a site shared with the area's farmers' market, with actor Jude Law adding his voice to the opposition. The proposal by Acorn Property Group would see 20 terraced homes and 25 flats built across two blocks at Blackheath Station's car park, reducing parking spaces from 162 to 17. Opponents fear the development will spell the end of the market, which has operated on the site for 25 years.
Jude Law and traders speak out against 'oversized' scheme
Jude Law, a former pupil of John Ball Primary School, described the development as “oversized” and “inconsiderate”, saying it fails to respect the character or needs of the community. Keith Bennett, of Chiltern Farm Foods, which has traded at Blackheath Farmers' Market for the past 25 years, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that he cannot see a future for the market under the current plans.
“I’d like to be proved wrong, but the minute that planning permission is granted under its present circumstances or even on a major revised situation – I’m afraid that market’s gone and that’s the friendships that we’ve built up over 25 years,” Mr Bennett said. He argued that the proposed market space “will not be anything near enough” for existing stalls and claimed it would be unsafe, particularly for emergency vehicle access.
Acorn defends proposals with purpose-built market space
Acorn has stated that the plans would not result in the loss of the farmers' market and would provide a “permanent, purpose-built home” with space for up to 40 stalls. The developer also said there will be a “clear emergency route” through the site on market day, giving emergency vehicles access to every part of it without moving any stalls. After an incident, two stalls would be moved to allow a vehicle to exit via Tranquil Vale.
Mark Handley, Director of London Farmers’ Markets, said: “The current plans for the redevelopment of the station car park site offer the farmers’ market a much improved and viable new home for the future, with additional facilities in a purpose-built market location.” The scheme includes eight homes for people on Lewisham’s housing waiting list.
Planning committee deferred decision amid mounting objections
Lewisham Council’s Planning Committee deferred the scheme in January after criticism from campaigners, including actors Jude Law and Dominic Cooper. At that time, the plans had attracted 1,202 objections, 30 comments in support, and 12 neutral comments. According to Lewisham’s Planning Portal, the plans now have 2,025 objections and 830 supporting comments. A new date for the committee to hear the plans has not yet been confirmed.
Since the deferral, The Blackheath Society has been building a case and has carried out independent reviews to challenge additional reports Acorn has submitted. Lewisham’s Planning Portal shows Acorn has submitted new reports on economic impact, parking, and the farmers’ market management plan. John Barron, a trustee of The Blackheath Society, said: “We support appropriate development, but the council needs to consider what losing the car park during construction, and most of its spaces permanently, would mean for the market and the wider village economy.”
Community fears for market and school children
The Blackheath Society’s independent visitor study found that 97.6 per cent of people take part in more than one activity when they visit Blackheath Village, and 58.3 per cent of existing visitors who arrive by car said they would come less often or stop if parking was reduced. In August, the entire car park area was listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) by the council, providing additional protections during redevelopment. Network Rail is the current owner of the land, so if it goes on the market, community groups would be notified and have the opportunity to bid.
More than 300 pupils, parents, and teachers of John Ball Primary School have signed an open letter objecting to the plans. An unnamed school teacher said the development would overlook a playground, classrooms, and balcony spaces, presenting a risk to children. Dominic Cooper, also a former pupil, said: “It is deeply upsetting to think that future generations could lose so much of what made the school so special because of an oversized five-storey development built just metres from the playground. Schools need light, space and privacy. Children should not have their classrooms overshadowed or their play areas overlooked by towering blocks of flats.”
Acorn said it has sought advice from the Met Police’s Secured by Design officer during an early design stage, and that when Lewisham Council consulted the same officer, they formally raised no concerns about the school. Acorn added: “Police design guidance generally treats overlooking by neighbouring homes as a safety benefit, because residents act as natural surveillance.” Rob MacDonald, co-founder of Battle for Blackheath, said the site sits in the heart of a conservation area and that nothing in the proposal benefits the local economy or community. “We are not against development but the community and residents deserve better, something that adds to their well being and not [something that] destroys it,” he added.
