
Save Sydenham Hill Ridge
Update 20 September 2022
Following a Judicial Review Hearing in April 21, Mrs Justice Lang ruled that the the decision by Lewisham to grant Planning Permission should be quashed.
Within 6 weeks, Lewisham underwent a tickbox exercise and brought the application back for approval.
Despite a huge public outcry and concern from local MP's and statutory consultants, the application was approved at a strategic planning meeting whose procedures were dubious and undemocratic.
Following further legal advice, a member of The Friends of Mais House applied to the High Court for a second Judicial Review.
The Case was heard on 9th June by Mr Justice Fordham. Judgement was handed down on 11th July.
The Friends of Mais House are disappointed in the Judgment from the High Court.
The Friends followed Legal advice and put in an Appeal. We are very disappointed that Permission to Appeal has been refused.
Our legal route has now ended but our campaign to protect this land; it's heritage and envirionment, has not.
Read the history of our campaign Here

Latest Press Release
In a staggering development, Lewisham has admitted that it does not read any emails that have been cc’d to the its Planning Department’s advertised address of Planning@Lewisham.gov.uk
The important London Wildlife Trust objection fell foul of this failure.
It’s astonishing that Lewisham has not made it known that its Planning Department does not open any emails that it receives via cc!

Our Small Community Green Spaces
62% of Londoners think protecting and enhancing green spaces should be a higher priority after the lockdown.
Living in Green places is linked to longer life expectancy and better mental and physical health.
RIBA Architects say building demolitions cause of carbon emissions
Experts used to be proud to reduce emissions by replacing leaky old buildings with energy-efficient new ones.
Now the Royal Institute of British Architects says that was a mistake.
Instead, it says we should refurbish old buildings rather than scrap them, because of the pollution that would be involved in constructing a replacement building, otherwise known as embodied carbon.
Reporter: Roger Harrabin. Editing: Aisha Doherty. Published 09/07/20

The Rewilding of London
Sydenham Hill is mentioned in this Guardian Article
Khan said: “The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. In London, we need to take bold action to ensure we not only halt the decline of biodiversity in our natural environment but pave the way for growth and change.