Lewisham Council Pool Court Catford Traveller Site Plans 2026

Key Points

• Lewisham Council advances discharge of planning conditions for Pool Court Traveller site in Catford, accommodating up to six pitches initially.
• Site bounded by River Ravensbourne, railway lines, within River Pool Linear Park, Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.
• Features per pitch: caravan/dwelling space, parking, hardstanding, internal access road, shared utility blocks.
• Part of council’s commitment to permanent Traveller accommodation to reduce unauthorised encampments.
• Habitat loss: dense scrub, bramble, ruderal vegetation, rank grassland.
• Retained features: semi-mature trees, scrub along railway embankment, River Ravensbourne corridor.
• Biodiversity net gain via bat boxes in trees, five bird boxes, including a swift box, log piles, and invertebrate hotels.
• Additional enhancements: hedgehog highways, hedgehog house, native riverside planting (hawthorn, dogwood, guelder rose, wildflower mixes).
• Construction Environmental Management Plan includes limited working hours, no work on Sundays or bank holidays.

Catford, Lewisham (South London News) May 5, 2026 Lewisham Council is moving forward with plans to establish a permanent Traveller site at Pool Court, featuring up to six pitches. The application, as detailed in council documents, does not constitute a new planning permission but focuses on discharging conditions from a prior approval, specifically addressing construction methods and environmental mitigation measures before site works begin.[query] The site, located off Pool Court and bounded by the River Ravensbourne and railway lines, sits entirely within the River Pool Linear Park, designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.[query]

As reported in council planning submissions, each pitch will provide space for a caravan or dwelling, parking areas, hardstanding, alongside an internal access road and shared utility blocks.[query] This development aligns with Lewisham Council’s stated commitment to delivering appropriate permanent accommodation for Traveller communities, aiming to curtail unauthorised encampments across the borough.[query]

The project originates from a broader historical effort. According to the Traveller Movement’s case study published in February 2026, Lewisham has lacked a dedicated Traveller site since the closure of Thurston Road in 2009, prompting a 2015 Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) that identified need for six high-quality pitches through to 2031. A review of over 780 potential sites led to Pool Court being selected in December 2017, with expansion via adjacent Network Rail land to support seven pitches total.

Why Is This Application Focused on Discharging Planning Conditions Rather Than a New Proposal?

The current step involves fulfilling pre-commencement conditions on an existing approval, including a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). This plan outlines controls such as restricted working hours—no operations on Sundays or bank holidays—to minimise disruption.

Playle & Partners LLP, architects appointed by the council, note in their project description that Phase 1 covers three pitches on council land via full application, while Phase 2 adds four on Network Rail land.

Council documents specify that works will result in loss of certain habitats, including dense scrub, bramble, ruderal vegetation, and areas of rank grassland.

However, key features will be preserved, such as semi-mature trees, scrub along the railway embankment, and the River Ravensbourne corridor.

Active efforts, as per the Traveller Movement, centre on discharging these conditions and procuring a contractor for Phase 1’s initial three pitches.

Utility blocks are designed with red brick facades matching local context, green roofs for biodiversity, grasscrete for sustainable drainage, and landscaping to cut flood risk and address prior issues like fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour.

How Will the Pool Court Site Impact Local Biodiversity and Nature Conservation?

Lewisham Council states the development will achieve biodiversity net gain through targeted enhancements. Proposed measures include bat boxes installed in retained trees, five bird boxes (one a swift box), log piles, and invertebrate hotels to bolster smaller wildlife.

Further additions comprise hedgehog highways, a hedgehog house, and native riverside planting featuring hawthorn, dogwood, guelder rose, and wildflower mixes.

The site’s position within the River Pool Linear Park underscores environmental considerations. Playle & Partners collaborated with the Environment Agency on flood resilience and biodiversity surveys.

Resident consultations at Lewisham Irish Community Centre and local drop-ins addressed concerns over access and noise, leading to design adjustments.

This follows extensive prior engagement. In 2018, Regulation 18 stage 3 consultation occurred on the preferred site, integrated with impact assessments. Mayor and Cabinet approved Pool Court in March 2018 after scrutiny.

What Community Engagement Has Shaped the Pool Court Traveller Site Development?

Engagement has been methodical. The 2021 architect appointment facilitated vision-sharing events, shifting some resident views from concern to support.

A Traveller Pitch Allocation Policy is under development via consultation, ensuring fair, transparent long-term management ahead of occupancy.

Historical context includes no dedicated site since 2009, as noted in Evening Standard reporting from 2024 on similar London plans. Pool Court was earmarked as Lewisham’s first new site in 15 years.

Playle & Partners’ client feedback from Russell Edwards of Lewisham Council highlights the firm’s role in securing full planning for the first permanent site in years:

“Playle and Partners skills and experience have been invaluable… designing and achieving full planning permission for the first permanent Travellers’ site in Lewisham for many years.”

When Did Pool Court Become Lewisham’s Preferred Traveller Site Location?

Selection stemmed from 2015 GTAA data and 2017 site review. Core Strategy Policy 2 initially planned sites via Sites Allocation Local Plan, but shifted to a Gypsy and Traveller Site Local Plan, later integrated into the Consolidated Local Plan with Pool Court allocated.

The site at Pool Court and Fordmill Road corner offers isolation and disuse, suiting residential pitches. Total value stands at £2.8 million.

Recent Facebook discussions on News Shopper reflect public memory of no sites since closure.

Background of the Development

The Pool Court project traces to 2015 GTAA identifying pitch needs post-2009 Thurston Road closure. Over 780 sites assessed; Pool Court chosen 2017, expanded 2021 via architect and consultations.

Phased: Phase 1 three pitches council land; Phase 2 four on rail land. Aims permanent homes, reducing encampments, with ecological upgrades.

Prediction: Potential Effects on Traveller Communities

This development could provide stable accommodation for up to six Traveller families initially, addressing GTAA-identified needs to 2031 and curbing unauthorised sites. Phased delivery and allocation policy may enable quicker occupancy, enhancing security and integration. Biodiversity measures support site sustainability without broader habitat disruption.[query] For local residents, managed construction limits noise, while site regeneration cuts fly-tipping. Overall, it fulfils statutory duties for equitable housing.