Almost 60 people have objected to the proposals for Robins Court in Chinbrook Road, which would see an additional floor added to both blocks on the estate.
Many are worried that they will be forced to move elsewhere while work on the scheme is carried out, causing significant disruption to their day-today lives.
There are also fears over the structural integrity of the blocks, which were built just under 100 years ago, if an extra storey is added.
At a local council meeting held last year, neighbours were told by representatives of freeholder Camden Court Management Limited that nobody would have to move out of their homes.
But Malcolm Smallpiece, a retired architect’s technician who has lived on the estate his entire life, has now told the News Shopper he disagrees with this assessment.
“From a structural point of view, it will be totally impossible to construct the extension with the existing residents remaining inside,” he claimed.
Neighbours have also questioned the motivation behind the planning application, after attendees at the meeting were told that the developer has “not made up his mind yet” about whether he builds out the scheme, or “sells on”.
Other concerns about the current proposals raised by residents include the loss of their outdoor space at the top of the blocks’ staircases.
“I have this area demised in my lease as my private space,” explained Liam Tollinton, a leaseholder who has lived at Robins Court for almost three years.
“But it’s been described as an ad hoc space by council planning officers despite the fact there are photos of people sat there with tables, chairs and plant pots.
“There’s a fundamental misunderstanding that this is a planning reason why this development should not happen.”
He added that the freeholder failed to seek residents’ views before submitting a planning application to Lewisham Council.
“The council should look unfavourably on them for having done that,” Liam said.
“As a resident, you’re always going to be a bit annoyed, but you should still consult, at least as a courtesy.”
Lewisham Council is set to decide on the application, which has been recommended for approval by planning officers, tomorrow (March 11).
If permission for the scheme is granted, the existing roof would be removed and 24 new duplex flats would be added on top of the blocks.
The freeholder did not respond after being approached to comment on residents’ concerns.
But minutes from last year’s meeting show that their representatives told attendees that they were under no obligation to consult residents before submitting a planning application.
They explained that they “expected concerns from residents” but decided to submit a proposal anyway “due to the length” of the planning process.
Neighbours were also told that a structural survey would be undertaken once planning approval was secured, and that it was not necessary for one to be provided at this stage.
