Although outside what could be considered as Herne Hill, the proposal for a major development at the so-called Higgs Triangle at Loughborough Junction is very much on its borders and therefore of concern to Herne Hill residents. The scheme is for a major residential development, providing almost 150 flats (57 of which would be “affordable”) as well as office and light industrial use, in five blocks ranging between five and 10 storeys. The site is bounded by railway lines on two sides, with Herne Hill Road to the east and Coldharbour Lane to the north.
The scheme met with an unfavourable reception from local people. Opposition to it was organised by the Loughborough Junction Action Group and they had support from Dame Tessa Jowell MP and local Councillors. The principal concerns were that the scheme was misconceived, since it pre-empted Lambeth’s Masterplan for the Loughborough Junction area, that the housing density was too high (and could be even higher if office use was not taken up – as seems probable), that the consequences on local services and infrastructure had not been sufficiently considered and that the consultation process had been inadequate.
The Herne Hill Society was asked by the Loughborough Junction Action Group to support them in their opposition to the scheme. The Society has done so and, particularly thanks to the work of David Taylor, who heads the Society’s planning group, submitted detailed objections to Lambeth on the planning applications.
On 25 November 2014 the applications came before Lambeth’s Planning Committee at Lambeth Council and they were refused. The decision went against the recommendation of the planning officers whose independent report argued in favour of the development. It remains to be seen whether the developers will appeal.
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