The site in Forest Hill Road A Lewisham planning committee approved an application for a house to be turned into flats despite members’ concerns the proposals were against policy. On Thursday (May 20) the committee considered an application to convert a two-storey Victorian house by the junction of Forest Hill Road and Canonbie Road into three flats, as well as to build another two-storey building beside it. The new building would also be made up of three flats, with the ground floor a three-bed aimed at families. Eight objections were submitted – locals raised concerns about loss of privacy, overlooking, increased need for parking, overdevelopment of the site, and pressure on amenities.
Lewisham Library Lewisham Council bosses are hoping to transform libraries across the borough into community hubs. It’s hoped a new model could provide several non-traditional services in libraries, such as legal advice, advice on benefits and taxes, and help with IT skills. Following a review, the council is planning to cut between £300,000 and £500,000 from its library service budget. The proposal forms part of £40 million worth of budget cuts the council plans to make over the next three years. Director of community services Tom Brown presented the relevant cuts to the safer stronger communities select committee on Thursday (January 14). He said: “While the council has continued to do everything it can to support residents and businesses through the pandemic, and despite prudent financial management, we’re being forced to confront a huge budget gap.