Ravensbourne Valley Residents

DC/21/124643 | The redevelopment of the existing fields into a flood water storage area to reduce flooding, along the River Ravensbourne, together with the provision of new playground equipment and playground redesign, removal of changing room block, retention of existing nursery building, bmx and skateboard tracks, reprofiling of areas along the River Ravensbourne to provide easier access, reusing earthworks on site to create activity and play opportunities, Construction of a cafe building (c 95m2) within the park and the removal of trees within park at Land to the east of the railway, Beckenham Place Park, BR1. | LAND TO THE EAST OF THE RAILWAY, BECKENHAM PLACE PARK, BECKENHAM, SE6

This application is to extend he permitted 6 months period. The reason for the request is that the lighting has proved very valuable not only for the events that were planned by the homestead café in the courtyard for this summer evenings, it has also enabled the café to trade for longer hours, and provided a good, safe atmosphere in the park.

Now that we approach winter, we would like to host events such as Christmas markets throughout November and December, along with other ad hoc events and activity.

At that time of year, it can be dark from as early as 4pm and not only would keeping the festoon lighting make events viable, it would enable BPP to support local businesses with new winter markets, and extend the enjoyment of the park by the local community for a period longer than the busy summer months.

We should add that keeping the festoon lighting will also add value to the three cottages that are currently on the market and will enable businesses to extent their opening hours. Again, this will support local businesses.

Overall the lighting, as it is adds great value to the park and it would be beneficial to all stakeholders to keep it for the foreseeable future. Lighting in the park is likely to be improved in the next couple of years as other buildings are refurbished and new uses established.

Given the benefits provided by the festoon lighting, we are askig [sic] that the license [sic] is extended to 12 months.

Recycling and general refuse allowed for in integral bins, to be emptied by the operators into main Homestead refuse bins on a regular basis. 

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 25 May 2021
A planning application, ref. No. DC/21/121691, has been made for the construction of a single storey detached refreshment kiosk on a site within the Pleasure Gardens of Beckenham Place Park. There are twelve documents associated with the application. See the design and access statement.

The kiosk will be 6.4 m x 3 m external dimensions in plan and 2.65 m high. The ground floor will be set down within the landscape, entailing the building to be reduced in bulk and appearance when seen from the main approach drive within the park. The height, size, bulk, and massing of the proposed kiosk have been designed to remain subservient to the other listed buildings and to avoid conflicting with views across the site.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 6 March 2021
The planning application, ref. No. DC/21/120492, has been granted. It is for listed building consent for the installation of external lighting cables spanning across the courtyard with anchor points affixed to the front elevation of the stable block and courtyard walls at The Homesteads, Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham BR3 2BP. See the decision.

Any lighting cables must be removed before 1st November, and must not be reinstated until after 30th April, unless with the express written consent of the Local Planning Authority.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 6 March 2021

Proposed aerial view of the courtyard showing (in orange dashed lines) the proposed suspended lighting cables and anchors into the existing walls of the stable block and the new posts to the western wall

A planning application, ref. No. DC/21/120492, has been made for listed building consent for the installation of external lighting cables spanning across the courtyard with anchor points affixed to the front elevation of the stable block and courtyard walls at The Homesteads, Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham BR3 2BP.

The proposed new lighting installation heritage statement and design and access statement re interesting. The lighting design has been carried out to ensure that the proposals have minimal impact on the listed building structures and setting. The proposed festoon of lights will criss-cross across the courtyard twice providing “an additional ambient and atmospheric level of illumination”.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 7 June 2020

The application, ref. No. DC/18/106693, submitted in compliance with Condition 4 (Construction Management Plan (landscape)) of application reference number DC/16/099042 dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, has been granted. It comprises:

• the rebuilding and change of use of the stable block to include a café (A3) and education use (D1);
• alteration and extension of the Gardener's Cottage for volunteer use;
• alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and extension of associated park depot, including the provision of new storage buildings;
• alterations to and refurbishment of the Gatehouse; demolition of park storage and toilet structures;
• excavation to provide a lake and wetland area with associated boardwalk areas; relocation and extension of car park; and
• extensive landscape works including re-contouring of land, re-surfacing of existing paths, provision of new paths, new street furniture, play and gym equipment, boardwalks, lighting, signage and boundary treatment; tree removal and new planting.

Consultation on the eastern side of Beckenham Place Park – 28 March 2020

Lewisham Council is consulting residents of Downham ward and the wider community on the future development of the eastern side of Beckenham Place Park (the Common and Summerhouse Fields). This is a great opportunity for residents to have their say and contribute to the shaping of this wonderful local asset.

Please complete this online survey by 26 April 2020. Printed copies are available – please e-mail adam.platts@lewisham.gov.uk with quantity and postal address.

Repository Citation

Howell-Munson, A. N., Schmidt, B. R., Flores, C. V., & Riley, J. M. (2018).

Regeneration of Beckenham Place Park.

Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.wpi.edu/iqp-all/5236

Abstract

To identify how Beckenham Place Park, in the London Borough of Lewisham, can encourage greater public use in the future, we created a volunteer database, conducted observational surveys, and interviewed park visitors. The database we developed provides an efficient way to organise volunteers and delegate responsibilities. Surveys and interviews revealed a positive shift in public opinion and use of the park since 2016. Despite this shift in public opinion, there are still concerns about the park’s regeneration progress. To address these concerns, we developed three primary recommendations for the Lewisham Council to take into consideration: incorporate more visual aids around BPP, supplement the visitors’ experience, and improve communications with the community surrounding BPP.

(i) in the access road referred to above, extending south-westward from Beckenham Hill Road for approximately 465 metres; and

(ii) in Beckenham Hill Road, between the north-eastern boundary of No. 182 Beckenham Hill Road (the boundary with the London Borough of Bromley) and approximately 30 metres north-east of Dunfield Road;

The proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 comprising of: the rebuilding and change of use of the stable block to include a café (A3) and education use (D1); alteration and extension of the Gardener's Cottage for volunteer use; alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and extension of associated park depot, including the provision of new storage buildings; alterations to and refurbishment of the Gatehouse; demolition of park storage and toilet structures; excavation to provide a lake and wetland area with associated boardwalk areas; relocation and extension of car park; and extensive landscape works including re-contouring of land, re-surfacing of existing paths, provision of new paths, new street furniture, play and gym equipment, boardwalks, lighting, signage and boundary treatment; tree removal and new planting

The proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 comprising of: the rebuilding and change of use of the stable block to include a café (A3) and education use (D1); alteration and extension of the Gardener's Cottage for volunteer use; alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and extension of associated park depot, including the provision of new storage buildings; alterations to and refurbishment of the Gatehouse; demolition of park storage and toilet structures; excavation to provide a lake and wetland area with associated boardwalk areas; relocation and extension of car park; and extensive landscape works including re-contouring of land, re-surfacing of existing paths, provision of new paths, new street furniture, play and gym equipment, boardwalks, lighting, signage and boundary treatment; tree removal and new planting

1. Explanation regarding the evolution of lake design

The shape of the lake remains unchanged from the initial planning application, along with the planned uses, aesthetics, and the overall vision of restoring this feature with its historic footprint.

The following things have been altered through the detailed design with engineering input:

2. Explanation regarding changes to the open space proposed adjacent to the homestead building

The shapes of the open spaces adjacent to the Homestead, along with the path layout remains the same in the revised plans. The terraced lawns (current tennis courts) adjacent to the Homestead have been adjusted by the inclusion of planting configurations and further seating to provide a variety of spaces to spend time, along with seasonal interest and improved biodiversity through the planting.

The area adjacent to the Café terrace becomes a more useable and flexible lawn, to allow users to sit out on sunny days.

3. Explanation regarding the additional screening mounds, raising of the level of the car park, and amended earthworks design/spreading on the north-western side of the car park, particularly detailing the changes in finished ground levels/overall height increase

To tie into the existing levels of the road adjacent to the car park, to ensure the drainage of water within the car park, and also to lessen the impact on existing tree roots, the finished ground levels had to be raised (and occasionally lowered) in certain areas. Subsequently, to mitigate the increase in levels, additional screening mounds have been included to the same extent. Care has been taken to ensure that mounding does not encroach onto the base of the existing tree trunks surrounding the car park, thereby damaging the tree.

An application, ref. No. DC/18/106331, was submitted on 15 March 2018 with details in compliance with Condition 3(a) (archaeology) and Condition 4 (construction management plan) of application reference number DC/16/099042 (as amended by DC/17/105082) dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park.

The following are available:

• Written scheme of investigation for archaeological mitigation
  
• Construction management plan

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 12 March 2018

Stable block elevations as proposed

A planning application, ref. No. DC/18/105620, was made on 1 February 2018 with details submitted in compliance with –

• Condition 6 (materials and external finishes),
  
• Condition 8(a) (hard landscaping),
  
• Condition 9 (tree protection plan),
  
• Condition 10(a) (soft landscaping),
  
• Condition 11(a) (boundary treatments),
  
• Condition 12 (bat box details) and
  
• Condition 14(a & c) (external lighting)

of application reference number DC/16/099042 dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park. Drawings on file include the stable block elevations as proposed sheet 1.

Stable yard cottages

A planning application, ref. No. DC/18/105937, was made on 20 February 2018 for listed building consent for internal and external refurbishment, repair and reinstatement works to the terrace of three cottages on the north side of the courtyard at The Homestead, Beckenham Place Park, including external repairs to the fabric of the building, reroofing, replacement of windows and doors, and the demolition and reconstruction of the first floor and staircase structure. Documents on file include the design and access statement, and the historical statement.

Finally, a planning application, ref. No. DC/18/106153, was made on 2 March 2018 with details submitted in compliance with –

• Condition 5(a) (contamination),
  
• Condition 7 (cycling),
  
• Condition 18(a) (parking/access/traffic management), and
  
• Condition 26 (refuse and recycling)

of application reference number DC/16/099042 (as amended by DC/17/105082) dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park. Documents on file include the covering note to Condition 5, but the report commission by REC referred to in the note is not attached.

Update – Beckenham Place Park mounded garden – 15 February 2018
The application, ref. No. DC/17/105082, submitted under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 to allow a variation of the planning permission dated 20 October 2016 (DC/16/099042) for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park to facilitate the construction of a mounded garden has been granted.

The decision is available.

Update – Beckenham Place Park mounded garden – 10 January 2018
The following additional documents are now available on the application, ref. No. DC/17/105082, submitted under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 to allow a variation of Condition (2) of the planning permission dated 20 October 2016 (DC/16/099042) for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road:

• BP(90)LP006 Proposed earthworks
  
• Mounded garden site location
  
• Mounded garden illustrative masterplan.
  
• Mounded garden illustrative section
  
• Mound planning application documents
  
• Mounded garden planning statement
  
• Soil relocation picture mark-up
  
• Typical section through relocated soil

The “Mound planning application documents” and “Mounded garden planning statement” appear to be the electronic versions of parts the ineptly scanned versions that appeared on the file before Christmas.

Update – Beckenham Place Park mounded garden – 23 December 2017

Similar scheme at the McGovern Centennial Gardens in Hermann Park, at Houston in Texas

An application, ref. No. DC/17/105082, has been submitted under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 to allow a variation of Condition (2) of the planning permission dated 20 October 2016 (DC/16/099042) for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 comprising of:

• the rebuilding and change of use of the stable block to include a café (A3) and education use (D1);
  
• alteration and extension of the Gardener's Cottage for volunteer use;
  
• alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and extension of associated park depot, including the provision of new storage buildings;
  
• alterations to and refurbishment of the Gatehouse;
  
• demolition of park storage and toilet structures;
  
• excavation to provide a lake and wetland area with associated boardwalk areas;
  
• relocation and extension of car park; and
  
• extensive landscape works including re-contouring of land, re-surfacing of existing paths, provision of new paths, new street furniture, play and gym equipment, boardwalks, lighting, signage and boundary treatment; tree removal and new planting;

in order to amend the landscaping design to facilitate the construction of a mounded garden and additional re-contouring of land by way of placement of surplus earth fill material. The following documents are available:

• Proposed location
  
• Land registry
  
• Approved landscape master plan
  
• Planning application documents
  
• Proposed earthworks plan
  
• Proposed earthworks plan
  
• Planning application document
  
• Proposed topography

The “planning application document” and “planning application documents” appear to be two ineptly scanned versions of the same thing. It details the layout, setting, dimensions and materials of the proposal which consists in the creation of a circular mounded garden within Beckenham Place Park. This garden will constitute a destination for visitors and add to the experience of the park whilst preserving the heritage value of the site.

The proposed site for the implementation of the feature mound is an existing clearing bordered with semi-mature and mature trees, bound at the east by the railway line. The northern and western edges are defined by the existing path linking the western and eastern sides of Beckenham Place Park, whilst the southern edge of the clearing is bound by woodland.

The clearing is remote from the Mansion and Homestead but in adjacency of the compost area/burning yard, making this location currently secluded and underused.

The creation of the mounded garden in this area will participate to attract visitors to this part of the park and increase the footfall between the eastern and western sides of Beckenham Place Park.

The mounded garden will offers views at 360 degrees onto both sides of Beckenham Place Park, including the lake. The mounded shape of the gardens will reflect the landforms of the flood alleviation scheme conducted by the Environmental Agency on the eastern side.

Two accesses are proposed to the top platform of the mound. Firstly a DDA [Disability Discrimination Act] compliant path (1 in 21 slope) that gently spirals up to the highest point, 10 meters above the existing ground level. Secondly an informal set of timber steps inserted in the grass slope on the side of the mound. The stairs to the top will be formed of flights of 10 steps maximum split by grass landings. These will guarantee the mounded garden is fully accessible for all, whilst offering a varied experience to the visitors.

The location of the mounded garden has been carefully studied to deliver both a significant feature for the park and to preserve and respect the heritage value of the settings: it will sit in a clearing located over 300 meters away from the Southend Lodge, 400 meters from the Homestead and 500 meters from the Mansion. The existing tree belt of mature trees that surrounds the clearing will provide an efficient screening of the views towards the mound. In addition, the existing ground level of the clearing being low (+29.50), the mound will not appear as a dominant feature in the parkland. Furthermore, the existing ground level by the Homestead (+42.00) is higher than the top of the mound (+39.50). This, together with the existing tree belts and the distance, ensures the mound won't be visible from the Homestead and core of the pleasure grounds. The mound will be easily accessible from the existing path looping around the clearing and from the lake. Finally, in the winter months views towards the lake from the top of the mound will be possible, associated with views to the eastern side all year round.

The mounded garden will display simple, robust and natural materials throughout. The slopes will be maintained as long grassland integrating sweeps of native flower meadow. The path leading up to the top will be a simple stripe of mown grass, so will be the top platform.

Some seating will be available at the top of the mound for visitors to enjoy the views. These will be timber benches, in line with the furniture palette submitted in the original planning application.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 21 December 2017

The decision is available on the application, ref. No. DC/16/099043, for listed building consent for the proposed rebuilding and conversion of the stable block at Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 to provide a café and education centre together with alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and the Gatehouse.

The London Borough of Lewisham has granted listed building consent for the execution of works referred to in the schedule, subject to the conditions set out.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 9 December 2017

The application, ref. No. DC/16/099043, for listed building consent for the proposed rebuilding and conversion of the stable block at Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 to provide a café and education centre together with alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and the Gatehouse is pending decision.

The minutes of the meeting of Planning Committee (A) held on 19 October 2017, which were to be approved on 7 December 2017, are available. It was resolved on 19 October 2017 that the applications DC/16/099042 (as previously advised) and DC/16/099043 should be accepted with additional conditions.

It was also noted at the meeting that the park is being used by professional dog walkers who do not pick up after their dogs. By-laws will be in place to ensure no more than four dogs can be walked by a dog walker at any one time; there would be areas of the park where dogs would have to be kept on a lead and dog owners/walkers would need to clean up after their dogs.

The applicant is also encouraged to approach the London Borough of Bromley to request that resident parking restrictions are introduced on Westgate Road.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 19 November 2017

The decision notice has been issued on Lewisham Planning Application No. DC/17/101619, a Request for Scoping Opinion submitted under Regulations 13 [sic] of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (As Amended) 2015 in respect of a proposed flood alleviation scheme within the catchment of the River Ravensbourne, comprising of:

• works to raise low points in existing river walls between Ladywell and Lewisham town centre;
  
• the formation of a floodwater storage area within Ladywell Green (land bounded by Slagrove Place, SE13);
  
• the realignment of the River Ravensbourne and formation of a flood storage area at Beckenham Place Park, BR3, together with associated structures and landscaping works.

The conclusion is stated as follows:

The Lewisham and Catford Flood Alleviation Scheme Environmental Scoping Report (Ref: R00034, Version 2) meets the requirements of regulation 13 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011. The content of this report contains the Scoping Opinion of Lewisham Borough Council in relation to this Scoping Request.

In summary, all scoped topics within the scoping report are agreed to be scoped in to the ES [environmental statement] to be prepared to accompany the eventual application for planning permission for the flood alleviation scheme. It is the opinion of LB Lewisham that the scope of most topics should be slightly wider or otherwise address other particular matters, specifically:

Further comments as to the exact scope and details relative to each topic to be scoped into the Environmental Statement, being the written Environmental Impact Assessment, are provided under the headings of each topic above.

Two other topics, residential amenity and character and recreational amenity, are recommended to be scoped into the ES to be prepared.

The scoping report identified that four assessment matters within the topics of soil and land quality and landscape and visual effects be scoped out of the EIA. Two of these are agreed (medium and long distance views of local defences between Ladywell and Lewisham, and at Honor Oak/Ladywell Green), whilst two are not (components of soil and land quality assessment, and medium-long range views towards Beckenham Place Park.

The Council has adopted the content of this report as a formal Scoping Opinion under Regulation 13 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 20 October 2017

At last night’s planning committee meeting in Catford, the planning application ref. No. DC/16/099042 relating to Lewisham Council’s proposals to improve the west side of Beckenham Place Park was considered and approved as recommended. Lewisham Council will now continue their work to enable them to get on site with the main restoration work in March 2018. In the meantime, over the winter months, some of the necessary tree works will begin to enable the landscape restoration.

The decision notice dated today is available.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 6 October 2017

A scoping opinion decision has been issued on the recent planning application, ref. No. DC/16/098117, relating to Lewisham Council’s proposals to improve Beckenham Place Park. This relates to a screening opinion under Regulation 5 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011, as amended, in respect of the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 comprising of:

• the rebuilding and change of use of the stable block to include a café (A3) and education use (D1);
  
• alterations to and change of use of the Gardener's Cottage for volunteer use (D2);
  
• alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and extension of associated park depot, including the provision of new storage buildings;
  
• alterations to and refurbishment of the Gatehouse;
  
• demolition of park storage and toilet structures;
  
• excavation to provide a lake and wetland area with associated boardwalk areas;
  
• relocation and extension of car park; and
  
• extensive landscape works including re-contouring of land, re-surfacing of existing paths, provision of new paths, new street furniture, play and gym equipment, boardwalks, lighting, signage and boundary treatment; tree removal and new planting.

It is considered that the planning application process would provide a suitable framework for the assessment and control of the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed development, which are considered to be of no more than local significance. Consequently, it is considered that the proposed development would not give rise to significant effects and therefore would not constitute Environmental Impact Assessment development requiring the submission of an addendum Environmental Statement. Therefore, the Local Planning Authority adopts a screening opinion under Regulation 5 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 as amended, that an Environmental Statement is not required.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 5 October 2017

Proposed summer view: North facade of mansion house from green chain walk

A number of documents have been added to the file of the planning application for the proposed regeneration of the part of Beckenham Place Park, west of the railway line, ref. No. DC/16/099042, including the following:

• Landscape visualisations
  
• Responses to planning comments

The application is now pending decision.

Works we’re proposing which would reduce the risk of flooding to Lewisham and Catford. You may already be familiar with our proposals via my colleague Richard Peddie, or following the public consultation that we carried out in the summer of 2014, when the scheme was at an earlier stage of development.

We are now starting to undertake detailed design and there will be another public consultation this summer when there will be a further opportunity to see the latest proposals and influence the design.

The reason for contacting you now is that contractors working on our behalf will be at various sites close to the river Ravensbourne over the next month to check ground conditions. Please see the attached briefing notes for more information. One gives general background about the scheme, and the other provides some details about the ground investigation works.

Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 16 February 2017

There has been another recent planning application relating to Lewisham Council’s proposals to improve Beckenham Place Park:

• Screening Opinion under Regulation 5 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011, as amended, in respect of the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 comprising of: the rebuilding and change of use of the stable block to include a café (A3) and education use (D1); alterations to and change of use of the Gardener's Cottage for volunteer use (D2); alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and extension of associated park depot, including the provision of new storage buildings; alterations to and refurbishment of the Gatehouse; demolition of park storage and toilet structures; excavation to provide a lake and wetland area with associated boardwalk areas; relocation and extension of car park; and extensive landscape works including re-contouring of land, re-surfacing of existing paths, provision of new paths, new street furniture, play and gym equipment, boardwalks, lighting, signage and boundary treatment; tree removal and new planting.
  BECKENHAM PLACE PARK GOLF COURSE, BECKENHAM PLACE PARK, BECKENHAM
  Ref. No: DC/16/098117 | Received: Mon 19 Dec 2016 | Validated: Mon 19 Dec 2016

It includes a nice plan of the proposed lake.

The following documents from the file of the planning application for the proposed regeneration of the part of Beckenham Place Park, west of the railway line, ref. No: DC/16/099042, make interesting reading:

• Conservation management plan – archaeology
  
• Archaeological desk assessment (part 1)
  
• Archaeological desk assessment (part 2)
  
• Archaeological desk assessment (part 3)
  
• Archaeological desk assessment (part 4)
  

The second document (in part 2) includes a selection of maps of the area, both old and new. Greenwood's map of Kent from 1821 shows a number of notable properties in the Southend area, including Beckenham Place, Bromley Hall, Warren House and Plaistow Hall. Both documents are well illustrated, showing aspects of the park as it is now.

Beckenham Place Park gets £4.9m funding – 14 December 2016

Lewisham Council's bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund/Big Lottery Fund for £4.9m to regenerate Beckenham Place Park has been successful.

They will now press ahead with "ambitious plans to conserve and enhance Beckenham Place Park, attracting more people of all ages to visit the park and celebrate its cultural heritage and ecological importance". Read the full news story.

There have been three recent planning applications relating to Lewisham Council’s proposals to improve Beckenham Place Park:

• The proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 comprising of: the rebuilding and change of use of the stable block to include a café (A3) and education use (D1); alterations to and change of use of the Gardener’s Cottage for volunteer use (D2); alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and extension of associated park depot, including the provision of new storage buildings; alterations to and refurbishment of the Gatehouse; demolition of park storage and toilet structures; excavation to provide a lake and wetland area with associated boardwalk areas; relocation and extension of car park; and extensive landscape works including re-contouring of land, re-surfacing of existing paths, provision of new paths, new street furniture, play and gym equipment, boardwalks, lighting, signage and boundary treatment; tree removal and new planting.
  LAND AND BUILDINGS, BECKENHAM PLACE PARK, BECKENHAM, BR3
  Ref. No: DC/16/099042 | Received: Tue 08 Nov 2016 | Validated: Tue 22 Nov 2016
  
  
• Listed Building Consent for the proposed rebuilding and conversion of the stable block at Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 to provide a café and education centre together with alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and the Gatehouse.
  LAND AND BUILDINGS, BECKENHAM PLACE PARK, BECKENHAM, BR3
  Ref. No: DC/16/099043 | Received: Tue 08 Nov 2016 | Validated: Tue 22 Nov 2016
  
  
• The construction of community BMX cycling facility comprising a limestone grit track, landscaped grass mounds and a temporary storage unit at Beckenham Place Park, BR1.
  GAUGING STATION, BECKENHAM PARK PLACE, LONDON, BR1 4JY
  Ref. No: DC/16/097594 | Received: Mon 18 Jul 2016 | Validated: Mon 19 Sep 2016

Closure of golf course in Beckenham Place Park – 10 November 2016

The golf course in Beckenham Place Park closed on 31 October 2016. It was operating at a loss of around £135,000 a year and, we are told, deterred "normal" park users from using the park.

The pages available on the Lewisham Council site on improving Beckenham Place Park have been updated accordingly. They now comprise:

• Background to improving Beckenham Place Park
  
• Shaping the future for Beckenham Place Park
  
• Consultation responses for Beckenham Place Park
  
• Draft masterplan for Beckenham Place Park
  
• Buildings in Beckenham Place Park
  
• Tree management in Beckenham Place Park
  
• Closure of golf course in Beckenham Place Park
  
• Beckenham Place Park – questions and answers

Plans for trees in regeneration of Beckenham Place Park – 22 October 2016

These trees are now preventing views – across the park, of the mansion, and from the homesteads

Lewisham Council has plans for the trees in the regeneration of Beckenham Place Park. Transforming the park will involve tree management works:

• New planting
  
• Tree removal
  
• Removing dead and diseased trees
  
• Restoring views and removing inappropriate planting
• Preserving and celebrating veteran trees
• Memorial trees

A poster is available with details of the planned tree works in the park as part of the regeneration.

Update – Vision for Beckenham Place Park progresses – 2 October 2016

Lewisham Council confirmed on 21 September 2016 that plans to make Beckenham Place Park a place that the whole community can enjoy will take "a big leap forward" when the golf course, which takes up more than a third of the green space, closes on 31 October 2016.

Last year Lewisham Council won the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund for plans to attract many more visitors to enjoy many more activities at Beckenham Place Park. The golf course closure, they say, is an important step towards that aim.

A survey carried out in 2013 to understand how people use Beckenham Place Park concluded that, "the park appears to be underused". The reasons given in the survey included lack of attractions, presence of unusable and derelict features, a large area being out of bounds and the woodland being difficult to navigate.

To ensure the park is well used in the future Lewisham Council is working to address each of these issues.

Update – Beckenham Place Park: Heritage Lottery Fund statement – 16 September 2016

A statement on Beckenham Place Park is available from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) website. It is not very well written, but cites a report which confirmed that interactions between HLF and Lewisham Council in the lead up to the decision to close the golf course were appropriate. The report concluded that HLF’s view that the decision to close the golf course is one for the Council was reasonable.

With a bit of hunting around the following can be found on the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) website:

• Beckenham Place Park ICR report – July 2016

• Beckenham Place Park letter to complainant – August 2016

Update – Friends of Beckenham Place Park meeting – 7 September 2016

Lewisham Council has advised that the Friends of Beckenham Place Park are meeting to hear about how plans are progressing for the park’s regeneration. There will also be talks about events and activities in the park in the future.

If you’d like to learn more about the plans for the park and contribute to the discussions, please come to the mansion at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday 13 September 2016.

Update – Consultation responses for Beckenham Place Park – 16 July 2016

Following the Mayor and Cabinet decision on 17 February 2016 to close the golf course by 31 December 2016, Lewisham Council asked for views on how the park should look and what sort of facilities should be on offer. They have summarised the main results from their separate consultations as follows:

• There is widespread support overall for the regeneration of the park. The proposals are welcomed by a broad cross-section of the local community, while a minority of people will use the park less frequently following the regeneration.
• Our plans to use the park for both large-scale and small events, with different themes, are backed by a majority of people.
• Those we spoke to strongly welcome our plans to improve access to the park for walkers and disabled users. Most people approve of our attempts to relocate paths and car parks to ensure visitors can easily access facilities.
• Our efforts to improve preservation of the park’s historic buildings, meeting places and facilities have attracted widespread encouragement from those we have spoken to.
• Most of the people we consulted are keen for us to improve the information available within the park about its history and heritage – a key part of our regeneration plans.
• Alongside plans to enhance preservation of the park’s historic features, our proposals for new play areas at both ends of the park have proved popular.
• Our plans to substantially boost the educational value of the park have been well received by local schools, with a large number indicating that they would use the park for outdoor learning following the changes.

Further details of the consultation responses are available on their website.

According to the News Shopper, the All Party Parliamentary Group for Golf has lent its support to the golf course. However, Lewisham Mayor Sir Steve Bullock has replied to the group, saying there has been a “marked reduction” in the use of the course which has resulted in residents subsidising a facility for a “small group of users”. He said: “We continue to develop plans to implement the changes which have already been agreed and see no reason to reconsider the decision.” Lewisham Council does not believe it fair that local taxpayers should continue to subsidise a dwindling number of local golfers who want to play here, especially when government cuts mean we have less to spend on their social care, street sweeping, libraries and other services.”

Update – Meeting notes from first local focus group – 23 March 2016

The Copers Cope Area Residents Association recently attended a focus group for the proposals to change Beckenham Place Park. A report is available on their website.

Discussion revolved around the following aspects:

• Awareness of Beckenham Place Park
  
• Character of the Park
  
• Access
  
• Interpretation
  
• Buildings
  
• General landscape
  
• Biodiversity and woodlands

Overall the discussion group process provided a useful platform to discuss Beckenham Place Park, current use of the space and to talk about the opportunities for the future. The vast majority of respondents spoke very positively about the semi-natural character of the space and how this should be understood and conserved. Some participants agreed the park is underused and there was wider acceptance that marketing and promotion is poor.

Proposals to restore and enhance the buildings were widely supported across all participants. The Mansion was seen by many to be the main priority for investment across the park although proposals to restore the Homesteads (and the proposed uses) were typically well supported. The proposals for the landscape restoration were more mixed, which to a large degree, was a result of some participants opposing the closure of the golf course. However, many of the proposals were also widely supported with many participants excited by the opportunities to introduce new facilities and activities.

The discussion groups have also demonstrated that there is a high level of interest in the proposals for the future of Beckenham Place Park and there should be significant interest in the next stages of consultation.

Update – Consultation activities on Beckenham Place Park – 27 February 2016
Lewisham Council has secured a Round 1 pass from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Parks for People programme. Draft proposals for the restoration and regeneration of the park and buildings have been developed and the Council would like to hear your views about these plans. The comments received will be used to inform the next stages of planning the project.

The plans will be available at a series of exhibitions and events over the coming weeks. The events will be staffed by members of the project team, who will be on hand to explain the proposals and to answer any questions you may have.

The programme of exhibitions is shown below.

Monday 29 February 2016

9.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.

Downham Library, 7–9 Moorside Road, Bromley BR1 5EP

Saturday 5 March 2016

11.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m.

Beckenham High Street, Beckenham BR3 1AH (outside Sainsbury's)

Wednesday 9 March 2016

1.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.

14–15 Catford Broadway, London SE6 4SP (opposite Costa Coffee)

Sunday 13 March 2016

2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.

Beckenham Place Park Mansion House (Visitor Centre), Beckenham BR3 5BP

Monday 14 March 2016

9.00 a.m. – 11.30 a.m.

The Green Man, 355 Bromley Road, London SE6 2RP

Monday 14 March 2016

12 noon – 4.00 p.m.

Bellingham High Street, 14 Randlesdown Road, London SE6 3BU (shop next to the Post Office)

Thursday 17 March 2016

3.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. – 8.30 p.m.

Church Hall, Evangelical Church, Cromwell Road, Beckenham BR3 4LW

Monday 21 March 2016

6.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.

The Green Man, 355 Bromley Road, London SE6 2RP

Saturday 26 March 2016 (Easter Fun Day)

11.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m.

Beckenham Place Park Mansion, Beckenham BR3 5BP

’Dogging’ in the car park - is this how you envisioned the future for what used to be a useful and valued community asset?

Parkland restoration and historic view management: native tree planting, restoration of 18th century parkland landscaping as setting to south of the Mansion House.

Update – Consultation activities on Beckenham Place Park – 20 November 2015
The following pages are available on the Lewisham Council site on improving Beckenham Place Park:

• Background
• Current use of the park
• Shaping the future for the park
• Heritage Lottery Funding
• Buildings in the park
• Consultation activities

In connection with consultation activities, Lewisham say they need to complete detailed design work for the improved Beckenham Place Park to submit the second stage bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund by August 2016. They are very keen to involve current and future users of the park in developing ideas for how the park might look and how it will be used. This is their plan for consultation and engagement activities and the outline timetable for the project:

​Timing	​Activity
​October to December 2015	​Consultation with stakeholders through meetings and focus groups
​November 2015	​Consultation with schools on outdoor education opportunities
​9 December 2015	​Mayor and Cabinet consider report on progress of bid for Heritage Lottery Funding and future of golf course
​If it is decided to proceed with the bid then consultation will continue in order to progress designs for the park. What follows is subject to the decision on 9 December 2015.
​January to April 2016	​Public consultation on the park’s designs to include events, public meetings, surveys, and work with young people to inform designs
​May to ​June 2016	​Design verification. Public displays and events
​​August 2016	​Submit final proposal to Heritage Lottery fund for approval
​By January 2017	​Secure funds from HLF
​January to Summer 2017	​Procurement and finalise detailed designs
​Autumn 2017	​Works on site begin
​By Christmas 2018	​Works completed

Anyone can get in touch with their views by e-mailing bpp@lewisham.gov.uk.

Update – Beckenham Place Park golf course – 18 March 2015

The News Shopper reports today that a golfer is standing to be his area's next MP in a bid to save inner London's only public golf course from being lost forever. "The Sydenham 66-year-old" David Hansom has announced he would be standing as an independent for Lewisham West and Penge in May's election on behalf of the Save the Beckenham 18 campaign.

Update – Beckenham Place Park golf course – 10 March 2015

The News Shopper reports that golfers including Nick Faldo are "coming out swinging" against Lewisham Council's plans to close inner London's only 18-hole public course. David Hansom from the Friends of Beckenham Place Park is quoted as saying, "If the course went, the chances are there'll be less people using the park."

Sheep grazing in 1920s at Beckenham Place Park – photo courtesy of Phoenix Community Housing

Update – Lottery funding – 7 July 2014

Update – Lewisham and Catford flood alleviation scheme – 3 July 2014
Further information detailing the flood reduction scheme in Beckenham Place Park is now available. The files contain Environment Agency information, and copyright and database right reside with the Environment Agency. They comprise the following:

• Briefing note – good as a handout and outlining the scheme with some background.
  
• Flood map –
  

i) the Ravensbourne model, which has been produced by Halcrow in 2010 to show flood risk in each rainfall event (return period); and

ii) the National Flood Risk Assessment model, using local data and expertise.

Lewisham and Catford flood alleviation scheme – 26 June 2014
See here for how the Environment Agency is working to reduce the risk of flooding in the Lewisham and Catford area. This document explains the plans to manage flood risk within the floodplain of the river Ravensbourne, including flood storage at Beckenham Place Park.

Beckenham Place Park – Heritage Lottery – 10 January 2014
Kate Yorke has been in touch, indicating she works in the Programme Management team at Lewisham Council, and is currently working on the Heritage Lottery bids for Beckenham Place Park. The Friends of Beckenham Place Park group is very interested in the bid, and they have been invited to a consultation event that will be taking place on Saturday 18 January 2014 from 10 a.m. to about 3 p.m. at the Green Man in Downham. The Green Man is now a Phoenix housing office / events development on the site of the old Green Man pub, opposite Sainsbury's Homebase at Peter Pan’s Pool / Bromley Road, Southend Village.

The landscape architects that are involved in the bid have drawn up different options of how the park could look in the future which will be displayed at the event, and they would be interested in hearing opinions on each option. The architects will be explaining the plans to small groups which should leave plenty of time for questions and feedback.

The session on Saturday will be split into two groups – the morning (10 a.m. to 12 noon) will be specifically for current users of the park, such as the Friends of Beckenham Place Park and working party, and the afternoon (1 to 3:30 p.m.) will be open to all local residents that are interested.

It’s important that we make sure that the park's character is preserved, regardless of the preliminary grant bid process. The fear is that landscape architects will come up with grandiose schemes that destroy some of the natural aspects of the park.

Anyone would like to attend should you let Kate know by Friday 10 January 2014 .