Key Points
- Developer Acorn plans to redevelop Blackheath station’s car park with 45 new homes: 20 terraced homes and 25 flats in two blocks (five storeys and four storeys tall).
- Lewisham Council’s Planning Committee recommended by planning officers to grant permission at a meeting on January 27, 2026.
- Car park spaces to reduce from 162 to 17; development includes 21.3 per cent ‘affordable’ housing by habitable room.
- Over 1,202 objections received, including from celebrities like Jude Law; 30 comments in support and 12 neutral.
- Objections cite harm to Blackheath Conservation Area (London’s first, formed in 1968), oversized scale, out-of-character design, overshadowing of Collins Street terraces.
- Acorn views plans as unlocking site’s “development potential” with substantial public benefits.
- Local resident Olly Payne criticises massing, scale, and precedent for future developments in conservation area.
Blackheath, South London (South London News) January 21, 2026 – Controversial plans to redevelop Blackheath station’s car park have been recommended for approval by Lewisham Council planning officers, despite more than 1,000 objections including from actor Jude Law. Developer Acorn proposes building 45 new homes on the site, comprising 20 terraced homes and 25 flats across two blocks rising to five and four storeys. The Planning Committee will consider the recommendation at its meeting next week on January 27.
What are the proposed changes to Blackheath station car park?
The redevelopment targets the existing car park at Blackheath station, which currently offers 162 parking spaces. Under Acorn’s plans, this would shrink dramatically to just 17 spaces. The development would introduce 45 homes: 20 terraced units and 25 flats housed in two blocks, one five storeys tall and the other four storeys. Planning officers have highlighted that the scheme delivers 21.3 per cent affordable housing, measured by habitable room, as a key public benefit.
As previously reported to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Acorn described the proposals as an opportunity to unlock the site’s “development potential”. The developer emphasised that the plans offer a substantial number of public benefits, positioning the project as a positive contribution to local housing needs.
Why have locals objected so strongly to the plans?
Hundreds of Blackheath residents and local businesses have voiced criticism, arguing the proposals are too large and out of keeping with the area’s character. In total, the application has drawn 1,202 objections, alongside 30 comments in support and 12 neutral responses. Campaigners contend the scale and design of the buildings “show no regard” for the surrounding area and would overshadow existing terraces on Collins Street.
Blackheath Conservation Area, designated in 1968 as London’s first such area, lies at the heart of these concerns. Locals fear the development will harm its historic integrity, setting an unwelcome precedent for future projects.
What did Olly Payne say about the development?
Olly Payne, a lifelong Blackheath resident, previously told the LDRS:
“No one is against housing and no one is against some type of development, we understand that there’s open space and people try to build on open spaces so all of that has been understood but what we’re really objecting to is this particular application.”
He added:
“Blackheath is one of London’s oldest conservation areas and this is just completely out of keeping with anything else within the vicinity. It’s enormous, you’ve got this big five storey block so there’s a problem with the massing and scale of the development.”
Mr Payne continued:
“This is just going to have a huge impact on the area, it’s going to set a terrible precedent in terms of future development and you think people are being precious about the area, but it’s a conservation area and if you’re developing in conservation areas, you’re meant to respect them. There’s a reason why we have them.”
Who is Jude Law and why did he condemn the plans?
Actor Jude Law, a prominent resident known for films such as The Talented Mr. Ripley and Fantastic Beasts, has joined the chorus of opposition. His objection underscores celebrity involvement in local planning battles, amplifying concerns over the project’s impact on Blackheath’s heritage. Several other celebrities have also objected, though specific names beyond Law were not detailed in initial reports.
What is the current status of the Lewisham Council decision?
Lewisham Council’s Planning Committee has received the recommendation from officers to grant permission. The decisive meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2026, where councillors will review the application amid the polarised public response. Officers’ backing focuses on housing delivery and benefits, contrasting sharply with resident fears.
How does Acorn justify the redevelopment?
Acorn, the developer, has framed the project positively to the LDRS. The firm stated its plans represent a chance to realise the site’s “development potential” while providing substantial public benefits. This includes the affordable housing quota and potential infrastructure gains, though specifics on the latter remain tied to planning documents.
What impacts do campaigners predict on the conservation area?
Campaigners highlight multiple risks: the five-storey block’s massing would dominate the low-rise streetscape, particularly overshadowing Collins Street terraces. The design, they argue, disregards conservation principles meant to preserve Blackheath’s unique character since 1968. Such changes could erode the area’s appeal and property values, while straining local parking amid already high demand near the station.
Are there any supporters of the Acorn plans?
While objections dominate with 1,202 submissions, 30 comments express support. These likely emphasise housing shortages in London and the need to utilise underused sites like station car parks. Neutral responses number 12, possibly from those weighing pros and cons without firm stance.
Why is the car park reduction controversial?
The slash from 162 to 17 spaces alarms commuters reliant on Blackheath station, a key transport hub in South London. Residents foresee chaos: increased street parking, traffic congestion, and difficulties for local businesses. Campaigners link this to broader sustainability questions, questioning if rail users will shift to cars without alternatives.
What role do planning officers play in the process?
Planning officers at Lewisham Council assess applications against policy, weighing benefits against harms. Here, they recommend approval, citing alignment with housing targets and affordable units. Their report will guide the January 27 committee, though elected members hold final say and may heed public outcry.
How does this fit London’s housing crisis?
London faces acute housing shortages, pushing councils to approve urban infill like this. Acorn’s 21.3 per cent affordable provision meets thresholds but draws scrutiny on quantum and type. Supporters see it as pragmatic; opponents argue it sacrifices heritage for density.
What happens if the committee approves or rejects?
Approval on January 27 would clear construction, likely sparking legal challenges from objectors. Rejection might prompt Acorn revisions or appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Either way, the saga highlights tensions between development and conservation in historic areas.
Broader context of station car park developments?
Similar schemes nationwide reflect post-pandemic shifts: falling car use versus housing pressure. Blackheath’s case mirrors battles at other stations, balancing transport needs with residential growth. Lewisham’s decision could influence regional precedents.
