Locals living next to a South London beauty spot have hit out at plans to build a seven-storey tower block in front of their homes.

They fear new residents will be able to see into their living rooms.

People living near the Sydenham Hill Wood nature reserve say their community will be overwhelmed by almost 100 new homes planned on the site of a former apartment block for the elderly. 

Lewisham Council and the City of London Corporation intend to knock down Mais House and replace it with 99 council flats.

News Shopper: Mais House in Sydenham will be demolished and replaced with a seven storey tower block under the plans (photo: Robert Firth)Mais House in Sydenham will be demolished and replaced with a seven storey tower block under the plans (photo: Robert Firth)

The apartments will provide homes for people on the housing waiting list in each borough.

But existing residents say the area will be overwhelmed by the new neighbours and want the size of the development slashed.

Sydenham Hill estate resident Roy Davis, 71, said: “I think it’s bad.

"The flats will be really high and they will be able to see into our windows from their flats. We are going to lose our light.

News Shopper: Mais House in Sydenham will be demolished and replaced with a seven storey tower block under the plans (photo: Robert Firth)Mais House in Sydenham will be demolished and replaced with a seven storey tower block under the plans (photo: Robert Firth)

"It’s bad enough now because we have got a big tree in front of the window and they’re talking about several storeys.

"There will be no light coming in by the end.”

His neighbour Chris Willott, 46, said: “I think the plans are a terrible idea. We have a very nice community.

"People know each other.

"All my kids play out the back with other people’s kids and you’re often sat in the living room and have people come by your window and it’s not a problem because you know them. 

“What I’m worried about more than anything is the great number of extra people.

"It’s going to change the dynamic of the community and it’s going to become a lot more insular.

"People will not know each another and there’s the potential for suspicion.

"We want a situation where people move in and it’s not overwhelming so our community grows but not to the extent that it’s not our community anymore.”

Mr Davis added that he hoped to sell his home of 20 years before families begin moving into the tower block.

The development is expected to be finished by Spring 2023. 

He said: “Parking is hard now. It’s first come first serve. Where will we park our cars when the new residents move in?

"It’s just for money – that’s the only thing to it.

"I’m trying to sell up before it gets started.

"I want to move out to Sutton.

"London is getting a bit too rich.” 

Lewisham Council approved plans for 110 new council homes on the estate, including the tower block, in August 2020.

But residents successfully challenged the local authority’s decision in the High Court in May 2021, due to mistakes made by the council during the planning process.

The following month Lewisham brought the plans back to its planning committee and approved them a second time. 

The local authority says the flats will provide homes for families in need of a council home in the borough.

Over 10,000 people are on Lewisham’s housing waiting list. 

A City of London Corporation spokesperson said: “The scheme reflects what is needed locally and will make a positive contribution towards alleviating the borough’s housing shortage.” 

A Lewisham Council spokesperson said: “The development at Mais House has been subject to an extensive application process which has taken into account the impact on the surrounding area and the views of local residents, as well as the need for more social housing.”

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