This area lies adjacent to or within land designated as Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) and/or the Green Belt, which is supposed to be protected from inappropriate development under both local and national planning policy. The proposed scheme threatens the character, environmental value, and long-term sustainability of this area.
My key concerns are as follows:
- Violation of Green Belt / MOL Protections
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) makes it clear that Green Belt and MOL designations exist to prevent urban sprawl, protect the openness of the countryside, and preserve natural landscapes for future generations.
The proposed development does not constitute the kind of “exceptional circumstances” required to justify building on protected land. Allowing this scheme to proceed would undermine the integrity of these protections and set a dangerous precedent for future overdevelopment.
- Harm to Local Character and Biodiversity
The SE9 area is valued for its green space, tranquility, and historic assets (including nearby Eltham Palace). Building 250 homes would dramatically alter the landscape, increase light and noise pollution, and risk harming wildlife habitats in the adjacent green space.
- Strain on Infrastructure
Local infrastructure – including roads, GP surgeries, schools, and transport links – is already under pressure. The scale of the proposed development would exacerbate these issues and reduce the quality of life for existing residents.
- Loss of Amenity and Community Value
The MOL and surrounding green areas serve as essential breathing space for residents. In an urban environment like London, these open spaces offer mental, physical, and environmental benefits that must be preserved.