Historic gasometers could be knocked down to make way for a supermarket chain, car park and restaurant in Lower Sydenham.
Plans have been submitted to demolish the Victorian gasometers in Bell Green and build an Aldi supermarket, a restaurant, coffee shop and 100 space car park at the out-of-town retail park.
A petition has been set up to fight the plans, and the Sydenham Society and Bellingham councillor Alan Hall support the campaign.
Key issues highlighted by campaigners are the loss of heritage at the old gasworks site, increased traffic and pollution, and the proximity of the proposed supermarket to Sainsbury's.
Bellingham Councillor Alan Hall said: “These landmark gas holders are an historic part of this site and directly related to the attractive Grade II Livesey Hall and Grade ll war memorial which were built for the benefit and commemoration of generations of gas workers who once worked here.
“I hope that Historic England and the Council will fully consider the case for their retention. This will allow for imaginative and sustainable development, including housing, on the Bell Green site.”
John Hodgett wrote on the Change petition: “Enough is enough. These gasholders should be listed not demolished.
“There is already plenty of retail choices, including one supermarket, on the site attracting more cars and huge polluting diesel Lorries than the local roads can handle.”
David Stack said: “As a professional historian and a life-long resident, with a parent and a great-grandparent who were employed at the gas works, I appreciate the importance of preserving our heritage.
“The gasholders are a symbol of Sydenham and its rich and important past - the only secure foundation on which to build its future.
“As such, they are of infinitely greater value than the retail outlets of multinational companies, which will worsen the congestion and pollution problems that already blight the Bell Green area.”
The planning document says the gasholders are “not considered to be of significant heritage value”.
However the heritage document, submitted as part of the overall application, states: “The two gasholders contribute to the setting of the Livesey Memorial Hall owing to the historic relationship with the former gasworks.”
A gas works was set up on the site by the Southern Suburban Gas Co., and Grade II Livesy Hall is a memorial to Sir George Livesy, built after his death in
The hall was both a memorial to Livesy, described in the documents as “the outstanding gas engineer of his generation” and a social club for workers.
The plans would retain the hall and also make way for a memorial garden.
To view the plans visit the Lewisham council website submit your views on the application email planning@lewisham.gov.uk.
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