Areas of Special Local Character - selection criteria & Sydenham and Forest Hill ASLCs

Overview

We would welcome your feedback on the selection criteria and statements of significance for Lewisham's Areas of Special Local Character (ASLCs).

Areas of Special Local Character are places that have a particular character that lifts them above the ordinary.  This will usually be based on the way the area developed historically,  and on the use of interesting or unusual architectural forms. They may benefit from their place in the landscape or the way vegetation is incorporated.  The combination of built and unbuilt spaces may create interesting and useful public realm and planned or incidental views.  Sometimes they way that people have used the buildings and spaces,  for instance for social events, or religious purposes, or the memory of notable residents or groups of people, will add local interest. 

12 ASLCs were identified following the adoption of the 2014 development management local plan, with a commitment to appraise and adopt them. Further potential ASLCs were identified through the recent Local Plan process.

As part of this ongoing project, officers have drafted new selection criteria to use to assess existing and potential ASLCs. The 6 ASLCs in Forest Hill and Sydenham which are being consulted upon here have been assessed against these draft selection criteria. Statements of significance and new maps for these 6 ASLCs have been produced, and we are looking for feedback from residents, amenity groups, neighbourhood groups and local historians.

 List of 6 ASLCs for consultation:

1. Charleville Circus
2. Hall Drive
3. Rockbourne Road
4. Kirkdale
5. Sydenham Ridge
6. Woolstone & Hurstbourne Rds

On the survey page, you'll find statements of significance, maps and background research papers for each ASLC.

Why your views matter

The Council would welcome your feedback on Lewisham's Areas of Special Local Character (ASLCs). Local residents’ detailed knowledge of their areas will be useful to add more detail to what our research has found,  particularly in terms of distinctive historic features, views, social and cultural interest, notable residents or groups of people etc. This information will help illustrate the distinctiveness of each area. Your comments will be considered to inform the selection criteria and ASLC documents as appropriate.