8 February 2022
Lewisham  are proposing to improve the east side of BPP as follows:-

DC/21/124643 | The redevelopment of the existing fields into a flood water storage area to reduce flooding, along the River Ravensbourne, together with the provision of new playground equipment and playground redesign, removal of changing room block, retention of existing nursery building, bmx and skateboard tracks, reprofiling of areas along the River Ravensbourne to provide easier access, reusing earthworks on site to create activity and play opportunities, Construction of a cafe building (c 95m2) within the park and the removal of trees within park at Land to the east of the railway, Beckenham Place Park, BR1. | LAND TO THE EAST OF THE RAILWAY, BECKENHAM PLACE PARK, BECKENHAM, SE6
Bromley have also consulted on this and have raised objections. Details of their objections can be found here:-
We also had minor but important objections and these can be found on Bromley's website (see link above)



Update  Krankbrother Public Meeting postponed – 17 November 2021
The meeting scheduled for Wednesday 17th November has been postponed because the presenter has contracted Covid. It will take place as soon as possible. If you wish to view the presentation they plan to use during the meeting, so as to help you prepare your questions and comments, you can download it from here.

 Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 26 October 2021
A planning application, application, ref. No. DC/21/123834, purports to be a minor material amendment application submitted under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 in connection with listed building consent DC/21/120492 dated 28 April 2021 for the installation of external lighting cables spanning across the courtyard with anchor points affixed to the front elevation of the stable block and courtyard walls at The Homesteads, Beckenham Place Park, BECKENHAM BR3 2BP, in order to amend condition 3, to allow the lighting to be retained between the months of November and April. The proposed new lighting installation heritage statement and design and access statement says:

This application is to extend he permitted 6 months period. The reason for the request is that the lighting has proved very valuable not only for the events that were planned by the homestead café in the courtyard for this summer evenings, it has also enabled the café to trade for longer hours, and provided a good, safe atmosphere in the park.

Now that we approach winter, we would like to host events such as Christmas markets throughout November and December, along with other ad hoc events and activity.

At that time of year, it can be dark from as early as 4pm and not only would keeping the festoon lighting make events viable, it would enable BPP to support local businesses with new winter markets, and extend the enjoyment of the park by the local community for a period longer than the busy summer months.

We should add that keeping the festoon lighting will also add value to the three cottages that are currently on the market and will enable businesses to extent their opening hours. Again, this will support local businesses.

Overall the lighting, as it is adds great value to the park and it would be beneficial to all stakeholders to keep it for the foreseeable future. Lighting in the park is likely to be improved in the next couple of years as other buildings are refurbished and new uses established.

Given the benefits provided by the festoon lighting, we are askig [sic] that the license [sic] is extended to 12 months.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 8 October 2021
A planning application, ref. No. DC/21/123640, has details submitted in support of Conditions 3 (Materials), 5 (Hard Landscaping) and 7 (Living Roof) of planning permission DC/21/121691 
dated 2 July 2021 for the construction of a single storey detached refreshment kiosk on a site within the Pleasure Gardens of Beckenham Place Park.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 25 May 2021
The planning application, ref. No. DC/21/121691, for the construction of a single storey detached refreshment kiosk on a site within the Pleasure Gardens of Beckenham Place Park has been granted. See the decision and revised design and access statement.

The kiosk must be removed from the site once customer operations have ceased, at the expense of the owner. The following text has been added to the design and access statement:

Recycling and general refuse allowed for in integral bins, to be emptied by the operators into main Homestead refuse bins on a regular basis. 

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 25 May 2021
A planning application, ref. No. DC/21/121691, has been made for the construction of a single storey detached refreshment kiosk on a site within the Pleasure Gardens of Beckenham Place Park. There are twelve documents associated with the application. See the design and access statement.

The kiosk will be 6.4 m x 3 m external dimensions in plan and 2.65 m high. The ground floor will be set down within the landscape, entailing the building to be reduced in bulk and appearance when seen from the main approach drive within the park. The height, size, bulk, and massing of the proposed kiosk have been designed to remain subservient to the other listed buildings and to avoid conflicting with views across the site.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 6 March 2021
The planning application, ref. No. DC/21/120492, has been granted. It is for listed building consent for the installation of external lighting cables spanning across the courtyard with anchor points affixed to the front elevation of the stable block and courtyard walls at The Homesteads, Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham BR3 2BP. See the decision.

Any lighting cables must be removed before 1st November, and must not be reinstated until after 30th April, unless with the express written consent of the Local Planning Authority.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 6 March 2021


Proposed aerial view of the courtyard showing (in orange dashed lines) the proposed suspended lighting cables and anchors into the existing walls of the stable block and the new posts to the western wall

A planning application, ref. No. DC/21/120492, has been made for listed building consent for the installation of external lighting cables spanning across the courtyard with anchor points affixed to the front elevation of the stable block and courtyard walls at The Homesteads, Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham BR3 2BP.

The proposed new lighting installation heritage statement and design and access statement re interesting. The lighting design has been carried out to ensure that the proposals have minimal impact on the listed building structures and setting. The proposed festoon of lights will criss-cross across the courtyard twice providing “an additional ambient and atmospheric level of illumination”.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 7 June 2020
The application, ref. No. DC/18/106693, submitted in compliance with Condition 4 (Construction Management Plan (landscape)) of application reference number DC/16/099042 dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, has been granted. It comprises:
  • the rebuilding and change of use of the stable block to include a café (A3) and education use (D1);
  • alteration and extension of the Gardener's Cottage for volunteer use;
  • alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and extension of associated park depot, including the provision of new storage buildings;
  • alterations to and refurbishment of the Gatehouse; demolition of park storage and toilet structures;
  • excavation to provide a lake and wetland area with associated boardwalk areas; relocation and extension of car park; and
  • extensive landscape works including re-contouring of land, re-surfacing of existing paths, provision of new paths, new street furniture, play and gym equipment, boardwalks, lighting, signage and boundary treatment; tree removal and new planting.
Consultation on the eastern side of Beckenham Place Park – 28 March 2020


Lewisham Council is consulting 
residents of Downham ward and the wider community on the future development of the eastern side of Beckenham Place Park (the Common and Summerhouse Fields). This is a great opportunity for residents to have their say and contribute to the shaping of this wonderful local asset.

Please complete this online survey by 26 April 2020. Printed copies are available – please e-mail adam.platts@lewisham.gov.uk with quantity and postal address.

Regeneration of Beckenham Place Park– 28 March 2020
A Bachelor of Science project sponsored by Lewisham Council was done and accepted in April 2018 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a private research university in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA, on the Regeneration of Beckenham Place Park:

Repository Citation
Howell-Munson, A. N., Schmidt, B. R., Flores, C. V., & Riley, J. M. (2018).
Regeneration of Beckenham Place Park.

Abstract
To identify how Beckenham Place Park, in the London Borough of Lewisham, can encourage greater public use in the future, we created a volunteer database, conducted observational surveys, and interviewed park visitors. The database we developed provides an efficient way to organise volunteers and delegate responsibilities. Surveys and interviews revealed a positive shift in public opinion and use of the park since 2016. Despite this shift in public opinion, there are still concerns about the park’s regeneration progress. To address these concerns, we developed three primary recommendations for the Lewisham Council to take into consideration: incorporate more visual aids around BPP, supplement the visitors’ experience, and improve communications with the community surrounding BPP.
Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 2 March 2020
The planning application, ref. No. DC/20/115294, for listed building consent for the removal of an external door on the south-eastern elevation and external repairs, together with internal alterations, at Southend Lodge, Beckenham Hill Road, Bromley BR3 1SY, has been granted.

The delegated report and decision notice are available. The proposed is not considered to adversely affect the character, appearance and historic fabric of the Grade II listed building. As such the proposed development is considered to comply with Section 66 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 etc.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 23 February 2020
A planning application, ref. No. DC/20/115294, has been made for listed building consent for the removal of an external door on the south-eastern elevation and external repairs, together with internal alterations, at Southend Lodge, Beckenham Hill Road, Bromley BR3 1SY.

According to the design statement, the proposals are:
  • Provide enhanced accommodation for park staff. This will include providing separate male and female changing facilities and toilet (as the against [sic] the current unisex).
  • New separate unisex shower cubicle.
  • New washing sink and washing machine within corridor.
  • New kitchen units and mess room.
The original layout of the extension will be affected by the works but these are of no historical importance to the lodge. The existing layout within the two storey lodge building will not be affected by the works.

Beckenham Place Park Road Traffic Acts – 5 October 2019
Notice has been given that Lewisham Borough Council has made orders under the provisions of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended. The orders were to come into force on 23 September 2019. Their general effect is to:

(a) introduce a car park within the park named Beckenham Place Park to be called Beckenham Place Park Car Park, the entrance to which will be from the access road extending between the road named Beckenham Place Park and Beckenham Hill Road, approximately 350 metres south-west of the junction of the aforementioned access road with Beckenham Hill Road;

(b) provide that the Beckenham Place Park Car Park will operate between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Mondays to Sundays inclusive;

(c) introduce charges for leaving motor vehicles in the Beckenham Place Park Car Park of one pound (£1) per hour, with no maximum stay period;

(d) provide that the charges will apply to all motor vehicles other than vehicles displaying a disabled persons’ ‘blue badge’ permit which will be able to park for free for up to 4 hours;

(e) provide ‘at any time’ waiting restrictions:

(i) in the access road referred to above, extending south-westward from Beckenham Hill Road for approximately 465 metres; and

(ii) in Beckenham Hill Road, between the north-eastern boundary of No. 182 Beckenham Hill Road (the boundary with the London Borough of Bromley) and approximately 30 metres north-east of Dunfield Road;

(f) provide a no entry point which will apply to all south-westbound vehicles, except for access, in the access road referred to above, approximately 75 metres south-west of the vehicle entrance to Beckenham Place Park Car Park; and

(g) provide a 40-metre coach parking place in the access road referred to above, with the centre of the parking place located approximately 120 metres south-west of the vehicle entrance to Beckenham Place Park Car Park, that will be available for the use of coaches at any time, subject to the gates at the entrance to the access road being open to allow vehicular access and access past the drop bollards referred to above being granted.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 29 July 2019
The application, ref. No. DC/18/106331, submitted on 15 March 2018 with details in compliance with Condition 3(a) (archaeology) and Condition 4 (construction management plan) of application reference number DC/16/099042 (as amended by DC/17/105082) dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, has been granted. The delegated report and decision notice are available.

The planning application, ref. No. DC/18/106153, made on 2 March 2018, with details submitted in compliance with –

Condition 5(a) (contamination),
Condition 7 (cycling),
Condition 18(a) (parking/access/traffic management), and
Condition 26 (refuse and recycling)

of application reference number DC/16/099042 (as amended by DC/17/105082) dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, has been granted. The delegated report and decision notice are available.

The planning application, ref. No. DC/19/111610, made on 25 March 2019 and purporting to have details submitted in respect of compliance with Condition (16) (travel plan) of the planning permission DC/16/099042 (as amended by DC/17/108052) dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, has been granted. The delegated report and decision notice are available.

See also the lengthy travel plan document.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 21 May 2019
The planning application, ref. No. DC/19/110865, comprising details submitted in compliance with Condition 5(b) (contamination discovered during works) of application reference number DC/16/099042 (as amended by DC/17/105082) dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, has been granted.


Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 21 February 2019
A further planning application, ref. No. DC/19/110865, comprises details submitted in compliance with Condition 5(b) (contamination discovered during works) of application reference number DC/16/099042 (as amended by DC/17/105082) dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park.

The following documents are available from the Lewisham planning file:
  • Application form
  • Remediation strategy
  • Materials management plan
  • Addendum to remediation report – tennis courts – February 2019
See the addendum dated 1 February 2019 to the remediation report in respect of the tennis courts. During excavation of soils underlying former tennis courts at BPP, suspected asbestos cement was identified by construction workers. Works were stopped and REC [Resource & Environmental Consultants Ltd.] were consulted to confirm the identification and to assess the presence of further Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) within excavated soils.

The scope therefore comprised:
  • obtain samples of suspected asbestos cement and stockpiled soils;
  • confirm the presence or absence of asbestos in samples taken; and
  • provide recommendations regarding appropriate handing and remediation of impacted material, as an addendum to the existing Remediation Strategy.
Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 29 January 2019
The planning application, ref. No. DC/18/105937, made on 20 February 2018 for listed building consent for internal and external refurbishment, repair and reinstatement works to the terrace of three cottages on the north side of the courtyard at The Homestead, Beckenham Place Park, including external repairs to the fabric of the building, reroofing, replacement of windows and doors, and the demolition and reconstruction of the first floor and staircase structure, has been granted.

Documents on file include the decision notice and a revised design and access statement.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 30 November 2018
The new planning application, ref. No. DC/18/107764, comprising details submitted in compliance with Condition 5(b) (contamination discovered during works) of application reference number DC/16/099042 (as amended by DC/17/105082) dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park has been granted. The following additional documents are available from the Lewisham planning file:
  • Decision
  • Method statement (idverde) – revised document
  • Detailed quantitative risk assessment for controlled waters (REC) – revised document
  • Geo-environmental site assessment (REC) – revised document
  • Remediation strategy (REC) – revised document
  • Further remediation strategy implementation details
  • Revised desktop study
  • Revised remediation strategy report
  • Lake mechanics plan, contour info
where –
  • REC = Resource & Environmental Consultants Ltd.
  • idverde = idverde UK
Two revised versions of the site-specific Remedial Strategy (RS) are available, dated August 2018 and October 2018. See also the decision dated 20 November 2018.

The application, ref. No. DC/18/106331, submitted on 15 March 2018 with details in compliance with Condition 3(a) (archaeology) and Condition 4 (construction management plan) of application reference number DC/16/099042 (as amended by DC/17/105082) dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park is pending decision

The following is available:
Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 22 September 2018
A further application, ref.
 No. DC/18/108813, has now been submitted under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 for a non-material amendment in connection with planning permission DC/16/099042 (as modified by DC/17/105082) dated 14 February 2018 for –

The proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 comprising of: the rebuilding and change of use of the stable block to include a café (A3) and education use (D1); alteration and extension of the Gardener's Cottage for volunteer use; alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and extension of associated park depot, including the provision of new storage buildings; alterations to and refurbishment of the Gatehouse; demolition of park storage and toilet structures; excavation to provide a lake and wetland area with associated boardwalk areas; relocation and extension of car park; and extensive landscape works including re-contouring of land, re-surfacing of existing paths, provision of new paths, new street furniture, play and gym equipment, boardwalks, lighting, signage and boundary treatment; tree removal and new planting

in order to allow the following amendments:
  1. Changes in lake design – additional 1m of depth, change in shore construction, to improve ecological and amenity quality of lake;
  2. Amendments to planting and furniture within open space adjacent to the Homestead building and proposed cafe;
  3. Raising of level of parking area by up to 0.5m, with associated additional mound screening between the road into the park and the parking area, and additional cutting and spreading of earth to the periphery of the car park as required to facilitate the rise in the level of the car park, for drainage and tree protection reasons;
  4. Change in location of the southern-most vehicular access point into the car park, for tree protection reasons;
  5. Change in location of cycle parking location and reduction in number of covered spaces from 26 to 8;
  6. The construction of a longer, shallower ramp for wheelchair users between the toilet block and the Homestead and cafe and associated garden areas, for accessibility reasons;
  7. Amendment of fence location near Southend lodge for internal access to the leafyard/park maintenance hub;
  8. Slight location and level changes to paths to be constructed, to work better with contours and for tree protection reasons;
  9. New connecting footpath to the north of the mansion;
  10. Diversification of planting species in selected areas, for biodiversity/seasonal plant growth reasons;
  11. Change at Braeside gate entrance from a gate to timber bollards;
  12. Slight changes in contours to the south of the lake for safety and drainage purposes; 
  13. Amendment to the proportions of wall-to-gate within the structure opposite the main entrance to the parking area; 
  14. Amend the location of the coach parking bay, and introduce additional soft landscaping in the location of the previously-approved coach parking bay; 
  15. Amend the location of the proposed vehicular traffic bollards within the existing road leading to the mansion; and
  16. Inclusion of traffic direction signage at the intersection of the entrance to the proposed car park with the existing road into the park leading to the mansion.
The following documents:
  • Decision notice
  • Cycle parking in BPP (travel plan commitment for review mechanism)
  • General arrangement plan
  • General arrangement plan
  • Coach parking plan
  • Marked up drawings showing changes
  • Car park sections 1 of 2
  • Car park sections 2 of 2
  • Explanation of amendments to plans
  • BPP - mounded garden document
  • Cycle parking in BPP (justification statement)
are available. According to the decision notice, the London Borough of Lewisham accepts that the amendments described in the schedule below are indeed non-material.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 8 August 2018
A further application, ref. No. DC/18/108181, has been submitted under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 for a minor-material amendment in connection with planning permission DC/16/099042 dated 20 October 2017 for –

The proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 comprising of: the rebuilding and change of use of the stable block to include a café (A3) and education use (D1); alteration and extension of the Gardener's Cottage for volunteer use; alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and extension of associated park depot, including the provision of new storage buildings; alterations to and refurbishment of the Gatehouse; demolition of park storage and toilet structures; excavation to provide a lake and wetland area with associated boardwalk areas; relocation and extension of car park; and extensive landscape works including re-contouring of land, re-surfacing of existing paths, provision of new paths, new street furniture, play and gym equipment, boardwalks, lighting, signage and boundary treatment; tree removal and new planting

in order to allow the following amendments:
  1. Changes in lake design - additional 1m of depth, change in shore construction, to improve ecological and amenity quality of lake;
  2. Amendments to planting and furniture within open space adjacent to the Homestead building and proposed cafe;
  3. Raising of level of parking area by up to 0.5m, with associated additional mound screening between the road into the park and the parking area, and additional cutting and spreading of earth to the periphery of the car park as required to facilitate the rise in the level of the car park, for drainage and tree protection reasons;
  4. Change in location of the southern-most vehicular access point into the car park, for tree protection reasons;
  5. Change in location of cycle parking location and reduction in number of covered spaces from 26 to 8;
  6. The construction of a longer, shallower ramp for wheelchair users between the toilet block and the Homestead and cafe and associated garden areas, for accessibility reasons;
  7. Amendment of fence location near Southend lodge for internal access to the leafyard/park maintenance hub;
  8. Slight location and level changes to paths to be constructed, to work better with contours and for tree protection reasons;
  9. New connecting footpath to the north of the mansion;
  10. Diversification of planting species in selected areas, for biodiversity/seasonal plant growth reasons;
  11. Change at Braeside gate entrance from a gate to timber bollards;
  12. Slight changes in contours to the south of the lake for safety and drainage purposes; and
  13. Amendment to the proportions of wall-to-gate within the structure opposite the main entrance to the parking area.
The following documents have been filed on the application:
  • Application form
  • NMA issues
  • Mounded garden document
  • Car park sections 1 of 2
  • Car park sections 2 of 2
  • Mark up of general arrangement for planning
  • Coach parking
  • Cycle parking
  • General arrangement plans
  • Explanation of amendments to plans
Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 2 August 2018
A new planning application, ref. No. DC/18/107764, comprises details submitted in compliance with Condition 5(b) (contamination discovered during works) of application reference number DC/16/099042 (as amended by DC/17/105082) dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park.

The following documents are available from the Lewisham planning file:
  • New contamination – REC investigation report
  • New contamination – construction method statement, idverde
  • New contamination – asbestos management plan, construction phase, idverde
  • New contamiation [sic] – REC remediation report
  • Geo-environmental assessment (lodged with original planning permission)
where –
  • REC = Resource & Environmental Consultants Ltd.
  • idverde = idverde UK
Owing to the presence of asbestos-containing material and elevated concentrations of other contaminants of concern within the Made Ground soils, remedial works are required in order to mitigate the potential risk to future site users. A site-specific Remedial Strategy (RS) provides a methodology for the site remediation that is required to negate the identified contaminant linkages and reduce the consequent pollutant pathways to a standard suitable for the proposed development. The salient details of the RS are summarised below:
  • redesign of proposed lake area to avoid excavation of crocidolite [sometimes known as blue asbestos] fibres with a reasonable buffer;
  • hand screening of bituminous material and offsite removal – validation of surrounding soils;
  • treatment of Japanese knotweed stand;
  • phased excavation, asbestos hand screening and transport of Made Ground soils to receiving location elsewhere in Beckenham Place Park;
  • encapsulation of hand screened Made Ground soils elsewhere in Beckenham Place Park (BPP) and capped with chemically suitable materials; and
  • independent verification of the above works and production of a validation report to demonstrate that any potential risks to human health have been mitigated (i.e. by REC).
REC understands that a Materials Management Plan has been produced by the groundworks contractor, relating to movement and reuse of site-won materials elsewhere in Beckenham Place Park. Owing to the presence of asbestos within the Made Ground, REC understands that an Asbestos Management Plan has also been produced.

Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 8 May 2018
The application, ref. No. DC/18/106155, submitted on 2 March 2018 under Section 96a of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 for a non-material amendment in connection with planning permission DC/16/099042 dated 20 October 2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park has been withdrawn.

An application, ref. No. DC/18/106693, was submitted on 11 April 2018 in compliance with Condition 4 (Construction Management Plan (landscape)) of application reference number DC/16/099042 dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, comprising of:
  • the rebuilding and change of use of the stable block to include a café (A3) and education use (D1);
  • alteration and extension of the Gardener's Cottage for volunteer use;
  • alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and extension of associated park depot, including the provision of new storage buildings;
  • alterations to and refurbishment of the Gatehouse; demolition of park storage and toilet structures;
  • excavation to provide a lake and wetland area with associated boardwalk areas; relocation and extension of car park; and
  • extensive landscape works including re-contouring of land, re-surfacing of existing paths, provision of new paths, new street furniture, play and gym equipment, boardwalks, lighting, signage and boundary treatment; tree removal and new planting.
Update – Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 27 March 2018
A couple more Beckenham Place Park planning applications have appeared. An application, ref. No. DC/18/106155, was submitted on 2 March 2018 under Section 96a of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 for a non-material amendment in connection with planning permission DC/16/099042 dated 20 October 2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park in order to allow the following amendments:
  1. Changes in lake design – additional 1m of depth, change in shore construction, to improve ecological and amenity quality of lake;
  2. Amendments to planting and furniture within open space adjacent to the Homestead building and proposed cafe;
  3. Raising of level of parking area by up to 0.5m, with associated additional mound screening between the road into the park and the parking area, and additional cutting and spreading of earth to the periphery of the car park as required to facilitate the rise in the level of the car park, for drainage and tree protection reasons;
  4. Change in location of the southern-most vehicular access point into the car park, for tree protection reasons;
  5. Change in location of cycle parking location;
  6. The construction of a longer, shallower ramp for wheelchair users between the toilet block and the Homestead and cafe and associated garden areas, for accessibility reasons;
  7. Amendment of fence location near Southend lodge for internal access to the leafyard/park maintenance hub;
  8. Slight location and level changes to paths to be constructed, to work better with contours and for tree protection reasons;
  9. New connecting footpath to the north of the mansion;
  10. Diversification of planting species in selected areas, for biodiversity/seasonal plant growth reasons;
  11. Change at Braeside gate entrance from a gate to timber bollards;
  12. Slight changes in contours to the south of the lake for safety and drainage purposes; and
  13. Amendment to the proportions of wall-to-gate within the structure opposite the main entrance to the parking area.
The following are among the documents available:
The following explanations are included:

1. Explanation regarding the evolution of lake design
The shape of the lake remains unchanged from the initial planning application, along with the planned uses, aesthetics, and the overall vision of restoring this feature with its historic footprint.

The following things have been altered through the detailed design with engineering input:
    • The depth has increased by 1m. The revised lake is 3m deep.
    • The lake profile, with the inclusion of a shallower ‘beach’ area, with strengthened turf
    • Inclusion and detailed specification of aeration and drainage, included to futureproof the lake.
2. Explanation regarding changes to the open space proposed adjacent to the homestead building
The shapes of the open spaces adjacent to the Homestead, along with the path layout remains the same in the revised plans. The terraced lawns (current tennis courts) adjacent to the Homestead have been adjusted by the inclusion of planting configurations and further seating to provide a variety of spaces to spend time, along with seasonal interest and improved biodiversity through the planting.

The area adjacent to the Café terrace becomes a more useable and flexible lawn, to allow users to sit out on sunny days.

3. Explanation regarding the additional screening mounds, raising of the level of the car park, and amended earthworks design/spreading on the north-western side of the car park, particularly detailing the changes in finished ground levels/overall height increase
To tie into the existing levels of the road adjacent to the car park, to ensure the drainage of water within the car park, and also to lessen the impact on existing tree roots, the finished ground levels had to be raised (and occasionally lowered) in certain areas. Subsequently, to mitigate the increase in levels, additional screening mounds have been included to the same extent. Care has been taken to ensure that mounding does not encroach onto the base of the existing tree trunks surrounding the car park, thereby damaging the tree.

An application, ref. No. DC/18/106331, was submitted on 15 March 2018 with details in compliance with Condition 3(a) (archaeology) and Condition 4 (construction management plan) of application reference number DC/16/099042 (as amended by DC/17/105082) dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park.

The following are available:
Update Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 12 March 2018


Stable block elevations as proposed

A planning application, ref. No. DC/18/105620, was made on 1 February 2018 with details submitted in compliance with –
  • Condition 6 (materials and external finishes),
  • Condition 8(a) (hard landscaping),
  • Condition 9 (tree protection plan),
  • Condition 10(a) (soft landscaping),
  • Condition 11(a) (boundary treatments),
  • Condition 12 (bat box details) and
  • Condition 14(a & c) (external lighting)
of application reference number DC/16/099042 dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park. Drawings on file include the stable block elevations as proposed sheet 1.


Stable yard cottages

A planning application, ref. No. DC/18/105937, was made on 20 February 2018 for listed building consent for internal and external refurbishment, repair and reinstatement works to the terrace of three cottages on the north side of the courtyard at The Homestead, Beckenham Place Park, including external repairs to the fabric of the building, reroofing, replacement of windows and doors, and the demolition and reconstruction of the first floor and staircase structure. Documents on file include the design and access statement, and the historical statement.

Finally, a planning application, ref. No. DC/18/106153, was made on 2 March 2018 with details submitted in compliance with –
  • Condition 5(a) (contamination),
  • Condition 7 (cycling),
  • Condition 18(a) (parking/access/traffic management), and
  • Condition 26 (refuse and recycling)
of application reference number DC/16/099042 (as amended by DC/17/105082) dated 20/10/2017 for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park. Documents on file include the covering note to Condition 5, but the report commission by REC referred to in the note is not attached.

Update Beckenham Place Park mounded garden – 15 February 2018
The application, ref. No. DC/17/105082, submitted under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 to allow a variation of the planning permission dated 20 October 2016 (DC/16/099042) for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park to facilitate the construction of a mounded garden has been granted.

The decision is available.

Update Beckenham Place Park mounded garden – 10 January 2018
The following additional documents are now available on the application, ref. No. DC/17/105082, submitted under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 to allow a variation of Condition (2) of the planning permission dated 20 October 2016 (DC/16/099042) for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road:
  • BP(90)LP006 Proposed earthworks
  • Mounded garden site location
  • Mounded garden illustrative masterplan.
  • Mounded garden illustrative section
  • Mound planning application documents
  • Mounded garden planning statement
  • Soil relocation picture mark-up
  • Typical section through relocated soil
The “Mound planning application documents” and “Mounded garden planning statement” appear to be the electronic versions of parts the ineptly scanned versions that appeared on the file before Christmas.

Update Beckenham Place Park mounded garden – 23 December 2017

Similar scheme at the McGovern Centennial Gardens in Hermann Park, at Houston in Texas

An application, ref. No. DC/17/105082, has been submitted under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 to allow a variation of Condition (2) of the planning permission dated 20 October 2016 (DC/16/099042) for the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 comprising of:
  • the rebuilding and change of use of the stable block to include a café (A3) and education use (D1);
  • alteration and extension of the Gardener's Cottage for volunteer use;
  • alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and extension of associated park depot, including the provision of new storage buildings;
  • alterations to and refurbishment of the Gatehouse;
  • demolition of park storage and toilet structures;
  • excavation to provide a lake and wetland area with associated boardwalk areas;
  • relocation and extension of car park; and
  • extensive landscape works including re-contouring of land, re-surfacing of existing paths, provision of new paths, new street furniture, play and gym equipment, boardwalks, lighting, signage and boundary treatment; tree removal and new planting;
in order to amend the landscaping design to facilitate the construction of a mounded garden and additional re-contouring of land by way of placement of surplus earth fill material. The following documents are available:
  • Proposed location
  • Land registry
  • Approved landscape master plan
  • Planning application documents
  • Proposed earthworks plan
  • Proposed earthworks plan
  • Planning application document
  • Proposed topography
The “planning application document” and “planning application documents” appear to be two ineptly scanned versions of the same thing. It details the layout, setting, dimensions and materials of the proposal which consists in the creation of a circular mounded garden within Beckenham Place Park. This garden will constitute a destination for visitors and add to the experience of the park whilst preserving the heritage value of the site.

The proposed site for the implementation of the feature mound is an existing clearing bordered with semi-mature and mature trees, bound at the east by the railway line. The northern and western edges are defined by the existing path linking the western and eastern sides of Beckenham Place Park, whilst the southern edge of the clearing is bound by woodland.

The clearing is remote from the Mansion and Homestead but in adjacency of the compost area/burning yard, making this location currently secluded and underused.

The creation of the mounded garden in this area will participate to attract visitors to this part of the park and increase the footfall between the eastern and western sides of Beckenham Place Park.

The mounded garden will offers views at 360 degrees onto both sides of Beckenham Place Park, including the lake. The mounded shape of the gardens will reflect the landforms of the flood alleviation scheme conducted by the Environmental Agency on the eastern side.

Two accesses are proposed to the top platform of the mound. Firstly a DDA [Disability Discrimination Act] compliant path (1 in 21 slope) that gently spirals up to the highest point, 10 meters above the existing ground level. Secondly an informal set of timber steps inserted in the grass slope on the side of the mound. The stairs to the top will be formed of flights of 10 steps maximum split by grass landings. These will guarantee the mounded garden is fully accessible for all, whilst offering a varied experience to the visitors.

The location of the mounded garden has been carefully studied to deliver both a significant feature for the park and to preserve and respect the heritage value of the settings: it will sit in a clearing located over 300 meters away from the Southend Lodge, 400 meters from the Homestead and 500 meters from the Mansion. The existing tree belt of mature trees that surrounds the clearing will provide an efficient screening of the views towards the mound. In addition, the existing ground level of the clearing being low (+29.50), the mound will not appear as a dominant feature in the parkland. Furthermore, the existing ground level by the Homestead (+42.00) is higher than the top of the mound (+39.50). This, together with the existing tree belts and the distance, ensures the mound won't be visible from the Homestead and core of the pleasure grounds. The mound will be easily accessible from the existing path looping around the clearing and from the lake. Finally, in the winter months views towards the lake from the top of the mound will be possible, associated with views to the eastern side all year round.

The mounded garden will display simple, robust and natural materials throughout. The slopes will be maintained as long grassland integrating sweeps of native flower meadow. The path leading up to the top will be a simple stripe of mown grass, so will be the top platform.

Some seating will be available at the top of the mound for visitors to enjoy the views. These will be timber benches, in line with the furniture palette submitted in the original planning application.

Update Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 21 December 2017
The decision is available on the application, ref. No. DC/16/099043, for listed building consent for the proposed rebuilding and conversion of the stable block at Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 to provide a café and education centre together with alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and the Gatehouse.

The London Borough of Lewisham has granted listed building consent for the execution of works referred to in the schedule, subject to the conditions set out.

Update Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 9 December 2017
The application, ref. No. DC/16/099043, for listed building consent for the proposed rebuilding and conversion of the stable block at Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 to provide a café and education centre together with alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and the Gatehouse is pending decision.

The minutes of the meeting of Planning Committee (A) held on 19 October 2017, which were to be approved on 7 December 2017, are available. It was resolved on 19 October 2017 that the applications DC/16/099042 (as previously advised) and DC/16/099043 should be accepted with additional conditions.

It was also noted at the meeting that the park is being used by professional dog walkers who do not pick up after their dogs. By-laws will be in place to ensure no more than four dogs can be walked by a dog walker at any one time; there would be areas of the park where dogs would have to be kept on a lead and dog owners/walkers would need to clean up after their dogs.

The applicant is also encouraged to approach the London Borough of Bromley to request that resident parking restrictions are introduced on Westgate Road.

Update Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 19 November 2017
The decision notice has been issued on Lewisham Planning Application No. DC/17/101619, a Request for Scoping Opinion submitted under Regulations 13 [sic] of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (As Amended) 2015 in respect of a proposed flood alleviation scheme within the catchment of the River Ravensbourne, comprising of:
  • works to raise low points in existing river walls between Ladywell and Lewisham town centre;
  • the formation of a floodwater storage area within Ladywell Green (land bounded by Slagrove Place, SE13);
  • the realignment of the River Ravensbourne and formation of a flood storage area at Beckenham Place Park, BR3, together with associated structures and landscaping works.
The conclusion is stated as follows:

The Lewisham and Catford Flood Alleviation Scheme Environmental Scoping Report (Ref: R00034, Version 2) meets the requirements of regulation 13 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011. The content of this report contains the Scoping Opinion of Lewisham Borough Council in relation to this Scoping Request.

In summary, all scoped topics within the scoping report are agreed to be scoped in to the ES [environmental statement] to be prepared to accompany the eventual application for planning permission for the flood alleviation scheme. It is the opinion of LB Lewisham that the scope of most topics should be slightly wider or otherwise address other particular matters, specifically:
  1. Ecology and general construction-effects management – the preparation of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan to be in place for the duration of all works;
  2. Ecology – to include assessment of any effects upon migratory birds;
  3. Land stability – to include engineering assessment of land stability during and post-completion of the proposed works;
  4. Land contamination – to include site-specific Site Contamination Management Plans incorporating the results of on-site testing where appropriate;
  5. Land safety – to include surveys to determine the presence of UXO [unexploded ordnance] devices; and
  6. Noise and Vibration – to include a Construction Noise Management Plan to be in place for the duration of all works; and the preparation of specific mitigation plans in relation to certain topics.
Further comments as to the exact scope and details relative to each topic to be scoped into the Environmental Statement, being the written Environmental Impact Assessment, are provided under the headings of each topic above.

Two other topics, residential amenity and character and recreational amenity, are recommended to be scoped into the ES to be prepared.

The scoping report identified that four assessment matters within the topics of soil and land quality and landscape and visual effects be scoped out of the EIA. Two of these are agreed (medium and long distance views of local defences between Ladywell and Lewisham, and at Honor Oak/Ladywell Green), whilst two are not (components of soil and land quality assessment, and medium-long range views towards Beckenham Place Park.

The Council has adopted the content of this report as a formal Scoping Opinion under Regulation 13 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011.

Update Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 20 October 2017
At last night’s planning committee meeting in Catford, the planning application ref. No. DC/16/099042 relating to Lewisham Council’s proposals to improve the west side of Beckenham Place Park was considered and approved as recommended. Lewisham Council will now continue their work to enable them to get on site with the main restoration work in March 2018. In the meantime, over the winter months, some of the necessary tree works will begin to enable the landscape restoration.

The decision notice dated today is available
.

Update Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 6 October 2017
A scoping opinion decision has been issued on the recent planning application, ref. No. DC/16/098117, relating to Lewisham Council’s proposals to improve Beckenham Place Park. This relates to a screening opinion under Regulation 5 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011, as amended, in respect of the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 comprising of:
  • the rebuilding and change of use of the stable block to include a café (A3) and education use (D1);
  • alterations to and change of use of the Gardener's Cottage for volunteer use (D2);
  • alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and extension of associated park depot, including the provision of new storage buildings;
  • alterations to and refurbishment of the Gatehouse;
  • demolition of park storage and toilet structures;
  • excavation to provide a lake and wetland area with associated boardwalk areas;
  • relocation and extension of car park; and
  • extensive landscape works including re-contouring of land, re-surfacing of existing paths, provision of new paths, new street furniture, play and gym equipment, boardwalks, lighting, signage and boundary treatment; tree removal and new planting.
It is considered that the planning application process would provide a suitable framework for the assessment and control of the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed development, which are considered to be of no more than local significance. Consequently, it is considered that the proposed development would not give rise to significant effects and therefore would not constitute Environmental Impact Assessment development requiring the submission of an addendum Environmental Statement. Therefore, the Local Planning Authority adopts a screening opinion under Regulation 5 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 as amended, that an Environmental Statement is not required.

Update Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 5 October 2017


Proposed summer view: North facade of mansion house from green chain walk

A number of documents have been added to the file of the planning application for the proposed regeneration of the part of Beckenham Place Park, west of the railway line, ref. No. DC/16/099042, including the following:
The application is now pending decision.

Update Lewisham and Catford flood alleviation scheme 11 July 2017
A decision has now been made on Bromley Council’s planning application ref. No. 17/02423/ADJ. No objection has been raised in principle with regard to the Lewisham consultation on the Request for Scoping Opinion submitted under Regulations 13 [sic] of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (As Amended) 2015 in respect of a proposed flood alleviation scheme within the catchment of the River Ravensbourne.

The delegation report is available along with the decision. Whilst no objection is raised in principle to the current application, concern is raised from the Environmental Health Officer regarding the location of any emergency pumping equipment as well as the times and duration of testing. If any pumps are to be associated with diesel generators then an air quality assessment may be required. The Environment Agency should also be satisfied with these details.

Concerns have also been raised by Bromley residents, and these should be considered. The concerns are summarised by Bromley Council’s planning department as follows:
  • General support raised however consultation has been requested for embankment works and concern raised in regard to the access point and possible noise and anti-social behaviour as a result of the cycle track.
  • Possible damage to highway during construction. Damage should not be paid for by residents and highway could be adopted.
  • Vehicle access to fields should be prevented to avoid fly tipping. Existing river bed should be retained to assist this.
  • Planting should be used to prevent overlooking as a result of the raising of the bank.
  • Boardwalks across wetlands should have sufficient protections from falling to allow young children to walk to the playground.
  • Parking in nearby roads should not be negatively affected by either use or construction traffic.
Update Lewisham and Catford flood alleviation scheme 3 June 2017
Lewisham Planning Application No. DC/17/101619 received 4 May 2017 purports to be a Request for Scoping Opinion submitted under Regulations 13 [sic] of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (As Amended) 2015 in respect of a proposed flood alleviation scheme within the catchment of the River Ravensbourne, comprising of:
  • works to raise low points in existing river walls between Ladywell and Lewisham town centre;
  • the formation of a floodwater storage area within Ladywell Green (land bounded by Slagrove Place, SE13);
  • the realignment of the River Ravensbourne and formation of a flood storage area at Beckenham Place Park, BR3, together with associated structures and landscaping works.
The scoping report and main document relating to Site 12: Beckenham Place Park are available. All of the documents relating to the application are available at the Lewisham Planning website.
:
The closing date for comments is 14 June 2017. Unfortunately Lewisham Planning failed to respond to our request to notify us when the application was made, but it has been logged by Bromley Council as Planning Application Ref. No. 17/02423/ADJ received on 24 May 2017.

Update Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 19 May 2017
The planning application, ref. No. DC/16/097594, relating to Lewisham Council’s proposals to improve Beckenham Place Park, and specifically the construction of a community BMX cycling facility comprising a limestone grit track, landscaped grass mounds and a temporary storage unit, has been granted. The decision is available.

Update Lewisham and Catford flood alleviation scheme 12 April 2017
A January 2017 communication from the Environment Agency on the flood alleviation scheme reads as follows:

Works we’re proposing which would reduce the risk of flooding to Lewisham and Catford. You may already be familiar with our proposals via my colleague Richard Peddie, or following the public consultation that we carried out in the summer of 2014, when the scheme was at an earlier stage of development.

We are now starting to undertake detailed design and there will be another public consultation this summer when there will be a further opportunity to see the latest proposals and influence the design.

The reason for contacting you now is that contractors working on our behalf will be at various sites close to the river Ravensbourne over the next month to check ground conditions. Please see the attached briefing notes for more information. One gives general background about the scheme, and the other provides some details about the ground investigation works.

See also the latest newsletter of the the Friends of Beckenham Place Park. This includes an article from Alison Taylor, Lewisham’s Project Manager, with further information on how the flood alleviation scheme is progressing, as well as on tree planting. It also includes an interesting feature on the history of the park.

Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 16 February 2017



There has been another recent planning application relating to Lewisham Council’s proposals to improve Beckenham Place Park:
  • Screening Opinion under Regulation 5 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011, as amended, in respect of the proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 comprising of: the rebuilding and change of use of the stable block to include a café (A3) and education use (D1); alterations to and change of use of the Gardener's Cottage for volunteer use (D2); alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and extension of associated park depot, including the provision of new storage buildings; alterations to and refurbishment of the Gatehouse; demolition of park storage and toilet structures; excavation to provide a lake and wetland area with associated boardwalk areas; relocation and extension of car park; and extensive landscape works including re-contouring of land, re-surfacing of existing paths, provision of new paths, new street furniture, play and gym equipment, boardwalks, lighting, signage and boundary treatment; tree removal and new planting.
    BECKENHAM PLACE PARK GOLF COURSE, BECKENHAM PLACE PARK, BECKENHAM
    Ref. No: DC/16/098117 | Received: Mon 19 Dec 2016 | Validated: Mon 19 Dec 2016
It includes a nice plan of the proposed lake.

The following documents from the file of the planning application for the proposed regeneration of the part of Beckenham Place Park, west of the railway line, ref. No: DC/16/099042, make interesting reading:
The second document (in part 2) includes a selection of maps of the area, both old and new. Greenwood's map of Kent from 1821 shows a number of notable properties in the Southend area, including Beckenham Place, Bromley Hall, Warren House and Plaistow Hall. Both documents are well illustrated, showing aspects of the park as it is now.

Beckenham Place Park gets £4.9m funding – 14 December 2016
Lewisham Council's bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund/Big Lottery Fund for £4.9m to regenerate Beckenham Place Park has been successful.

They will now press ahead with "ambitious plans to conserve and enhance Beckenham Place Park, attracting more people of all ages to visit the park and celebrate its cultural heritage and ecological importance". Read the full news story.

Beckenham Place Park planning applications – 26 November 2016
There have been three recent planning applications relating to Lewisham Council’s proposals to improve Beckenham Place Park:
  • The proposed regeneration of part (west of rail line) of Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 comprising of: the rebuilding and change of use of the stable block to include a café (A3) and education use (D1); alterations to and change of use of the Gardener’s Cottage for volunteer use (D2); alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and extension of associated park depot, including the provision of new storage buildings; alterations to and refurbishment of the Gatehouse; demolition of park storage and toilet structures; excavation to provide a lake and wetland area with associated boardwalk areas; relocation and extension of car park; and extensive landscape works including re-contouring of land, re-surfacing of existing paths, provision of new paths, new street furniture, play and gym equipment, boardwalks, lighting, signage and boundary treatment; tree removal and new planting.
    LAND AND BUILDINGS, BECKENHAM PLACE PARK, BECKENHAM, BR3
    Ref. No: DC/16/099042 | Received: Tue 08 Nov 2016 | Validated: Tue 22 Nov 2016

  • Listed Building Consent for the proposed rebuilding and conversion of the stable block at Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 to provide a café and education centre together with alterations to and refurbishment of Southend Lodge and the Gatehouse.
    LAND AND BUILDINGS, BECKENHAM PLACE PARK, BECKENHAM, BR3
    Ref. No: DC/16/099043 | Received: Tue 08 Nov 2016 | Validated: Tue 22 Nov 2016

  • The construction of community BMX cycling facility comprising a limestone grit track, landscaped grass mounds and a temporary storage unit at Beckenham Place Park, BR1.
    GAUGING STATION, BECKENHAM PARK PLACE, LONDON, BR1 4JY
    Ref. No: DC/16/097594 | Received: Mon 18 Jul 2016 | Validated: Mon 19 Sep 2016
Closure of golf course in Beckenham Place Park – 10 November 2016
The golf course in Beckenham Place Park closed on 31 October 2016. It was operating at a loss of around £135,000 a year and, we are told, deterred "normal" park users from using the park.

The pages available on the Lewisham Council site on improving Beckenham Place Park have been updated accordingly. They now comprise:
Plans for trees in regeneration of Beckenham Place Park – 22 October 2016


These trees are now preventing views – across the park, of the mansion, and from the homesteads

Lewisham Council has plans for the trees in the regeneration of Beckenham Place Park. Transforming the park will involve tree management works:
  • New planting
  • Tree removal
  • Removing dead and diseased trees
    • Restoring views and removing inappropriate planting
    • Preserving and celebrating veteran trees
  • Memorial trees
A poster is available with details of the planned tree works in the park as part of the regeneration.

Update – Vision for Beckenham Place Park progresses – 2 October 2016
Lewisham Council confirmed on 21 September 2016 that plans to make Beckenham Place Park a place that the whole community can enjoy will take "a big leap forward" when the golf course, which takes up more than a third of the green space, closes on 31 October 2016.

Last year Lewisham Council won the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund for plans to attract many more visitors to enjoy many more activities at Beckenham Place Park. The golf course closure, they say, is an important step towards that aim.

A survey carried out in 2013 to understand how people use Beckenham Place Park concluded that, "the park appears to be underused". The reasons given in the survey included lack of attractions, presence of unusable and derelict features, a large area being out of bounds and the woodland being difficult to navigate.

To ensure the park is well used in the future Lewisham Council is working to address each of these issues.

Update – Beckenham Place Park: Heritage Lottery Fund statement – 16 September 2016
A statement on Beckenham Place Park is available from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) website. It is not very well written, but cites a report which confirmed that interactions between HLF and Lewisham Council in the lead up to the decision to close the golf course were appropriate. The report concluded that HLF’s view that the decision to close the golf course is one for the Council was reasonable.

With a bit of hunting around the following can be found on the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) website:


Update – Friends of Beckenham Place Park meeting – 7 September 2016
Lewisham Council has advised that the Friends of Beckenham Place Park are meeting to hear about how plans are progressing for the park’s regeneration. There will also be talks about events and activities in the park in the future.
If you’d like to learn more about the plans for the park and contribute to the discussions, please come to the mansion at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday 13 September 2016.

Update – Consultation responses for Beckenham Place Park – 16 July 2016
Following the Mayor and Cabinet decision on 17 February 2016 to close the golf course by 31 December 2016, Lewisham Council asked for views on how the park should look and what sort of facilities should be on offer. They have summarised the main results from their separate consultations as follows:
  • There is widespread support overall for the regeneration of the park. The proposals are welcomed by a broad cross-section of the local community, while a minority of people will use the park less frequently following the regeneration.
  • Our plans to use the park for both large-scale and small events, with different themes, are backed by a majority of people.
  • Those we spoke to strongly welcome our plans to improve access to the park for walkers and disabled users. Most people approve of our attempts to relocate paths and car parks to ensure visitors can easily access facilities.
  • Our efforts to improve preservation of the park’s historic buildings, meeting places and facilities have attracted widespread encouragement from those we have spoken to.
  • Most of the people we consulted are keen for us to improve the information available within the park about its history and heritage – a key part of our regeneration plans.
  • Alongside plans to enhance preservation of the park’s historic features, our proposals for new play areas at both ends of the park have proved popular.
  • Our plans to substantially boost the educational value of the park have been well received by local schools, with a large number indicating that they would use the park for outdoor learning following the changes.
Further details of the consultation responses are available on their website.

According to the News Shopper, the All Party Parliamentary Group for Golf has lent its support to the golf course. However, Lewisham Mayor Sir Steve Bullock has replied to the group, saying there has been a “marked reduction” in the use of the course which has resulted in residents subsidising a facility for a “small group of users”. He said: “We continue to develop plans to implement the changes which have already been agreed and see no reason to reconsider the decision.” Lewisham Council does not believe it fair that local taxpayers should continue to subsidise a dwindling number of local golfers who want to play here, especially when government cuts mean we have less to spend on their social care, street sweeping, libraries and other services.”

Update – Meeting notes from first local focus group – 23 March 2016
The Copers Cope Area Residents Association recently attended a focus group for the proposals to change Beckenham Place Park. A report is available on their website.

Discussion revolved around the following aspects:
  • Awareness of Beckenham Place Park
  • Character of the Park
  • Access
  • Interpretation
  • Buildings
  • General landscape
  • Biodiversity and woodlands
Overall the discussion group process provided a useful platform to discuss Beckenham Place Park, current use of the space and to talk about the opportunities for the future. The vast majority of respondents spoke very positively about the semi-natural character of the space and how this should be understood and conserved. Some participants agreed the park is underused and there was wider acceptance that marketing and promotion is poor.

Proposals to restore and enhance the buildings were widely supported across all participants. The Mansion was seen by many to be the main priority for investment across the park although proposals to restore the Homesteads (and the proposed uses) were typically well supported. The proposals for the landscape restoration were more mixed, which to a large degree, was a result of some participants opposing the closure of the golf course. However, many of the proposals were also widely supported with many participants excited by the opportunities to introduce new facilities and activities.

The discussion groups have also demonstrated that there is a high level of interest in the proposals for the future of Beckenham Place Park and there should be significant interest in the next stages of consultation.

Update – Consultation activities on Beckenham Place Park – 27 February 2016
Lewisham Council has secured a Round 1 pass from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Parks for People programme. Draft proposals for the restoration and regeneration of the park and buildings have been developed and the Council would like to hear your views about these plans. The comments received will be used to inform the next stages of planning the project.

The plans will be available at a series of exhibitions and events over the coming weeks. The events will be staffed by members of the project team, who will be on hand to explain the proposals and to answer any questions you may have.

The programme of exhibitions is shown below.

Monday 29 February 2016
9.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
Downham Library, 7–9 Moorside Road, Bromley BR1 5EP
Saturday 5 March 2016
11.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m.
Beckenham High Street, Beckenham BR3 1AH (outside Sainsbury's)
Wednesday 9 March 2016
1.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.
1415 Catford Broadway, London SE6 4SP (opposite Costa Coffee)
Sunday 13 March 2016
2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Beckenham Place Park Mansion House (Visitor Centre), Beckenham BR3 5BP
Monday 14 March 2016
9.00 a.m. – 11.30 a.m.
The Green Man, 355 Bromley Road, London SE6 2RP
Monday 14 March 2016
12 noon – 4.00 p.m.
Bellingham High Street, 14 Randlesdown Road, London SE6 3BU (shop next to the Post Office)
Thursday 17 March 2016
3.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. – 8.30 p.m.
Church Hall, Evangelical Church, Cromwell Road, Beckenham BR3 4LW
Monday 21 March 2016
6.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.
The Green Man, 355 Bromley Road, London SE6 2RP
Saturday 26 March 2016 (Easter Fun Day)
11.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m.
Beckenham Place Park Mansion, Beckenham BR3 5BP
These exhibitions are being run as drop-in sessions, with the same plans and surveys available at each session. You do not need to confirm your attendance and these sessions are all open to the public. Therefore please pick a date, time and venue that are most convenient for you.
Further public consultation will be carried out later in the summer of 2016 prior to the submission of the final proposals to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
If you have any questions about these exhibitions please contact Neil Eccles of Community First Partnership. If you have any more general enquiries about the project please contact Alison Taylor, Project Manager, Lewisham Council by email or on 020 8314 8758.

Update – Consultation activities on Beckenham Place Park – 22 February 2016
The timetable on the Lewisham Council website is not telling us much, but it has been reported elsewhere that they took the decision last week to remodel Beckenham Place Park, the borough’s largest public open space, into someone’s idea of what it might have looked like in the 18th century, including creating a new lake.

Public consultation on the park’s designs to include events, public meetings, surveys, and work with young people to inform designs will now take place from ​mid-February to April 2016.


Update – Consultation activities on Beckenham Place Park – 12 December 2015
The timetable appears to have slipped. The ​Mayor and Cabinet are now expected to consider the report on the progress of the bid for Heritage Lottery Funding and the future of the golf course on 17 February 2016. Two more pages are available on the Lewisham Council site on improving Beckenham Place Park:
The first of these indicates why Foxgrove club wasn't allowed to remain open until the end of 2016. One question that remains unaddressed is the following from one of our residents and quoted by the News Shopper:

’Dogging’ in the car park - is this how you envisioned the future for what used to be a useful and valued community asset?

The draft masterplan includes a redrawn map. Curiously, the key no longer refers to the removal of the existing 18 hole golf course, for parkland restoration & historic view management, as quoted below, but has rephrased this as:

Parkland restoration and historic view management: native tree planting, restoration of 18th century parkland landscaping as setting to south of the Mansion House.

Update – Consultation activities on Beckenham Place Park – 20 November 2015
The following pages are available on the Lewisham Council site on improving Beckenham Place Park:

In connection with consultation activities, Lewisham say they need to complete detailed design work for the improved Beckenham Place Park to submit the second stage bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund by August 2016. They are very keen to involve current and future users of the park in developing ideas for how the park might look and how it will be used. This is their plan for consultation and engagement activities and the outline timetable for the project:

Timing
​Activity
​October to December 2015
​Consultation with stakeholders through meetings and focus groups
​November 2015
​Consultation with schools on outdoor education opportunities
​9 December 2015
​Mayor and Cabinet consider report on progress of bid for Heritage Lottery Funding and future of golf course

​If it is decided to proceed with the bid then consultation will continue in order to progress designs for the park. What follows is subject to the decision on 9 December 2015.

​January to April 2016
​Public consultation on the park’s designs to include events, public meetings, surveys, and work with young people to inform designs
​May to ​June 2016
​Design verification. Public displays and events
​​August 2016
​Submit final proposal to Heritage Lottery fund for approval
​By January 2017
​Secure funds from HLF
​January to Summer 2017
​Procurement and finalise detailed designs
​Autumn 2017
​Works on site begin
​By Christmas 2018
​Works completed
Anyone can get in touch with their views by e-mailing bpp@lewisham.gov.uk.

Update – Beckenham Place Park golf course – 18 March 2015
The News Shopper reports today that a golfer is standing to be his area's next MP in a bid to save inner London's only public golf course from being lost forever. "The Sydenham 66-year-old" David Hansom has announced he would be standing as an independent for Lewisham West and Penge in May's election on behalf of the Save the Beckenham 18 campaign.

Update – Beckenham Place Park golf course – 10 March 2015
The News Shopper reports that golfers including Nick Faldo are "coming out swinging" against Lewisham Council's plans to close inner London's only 18-hole public course. David Hansom from the Friends of Beckenham Place Park is quoted as saying, "If the course went, the chances are there'll be less people using the park."

Update – Beckenham Place Park golf course – 22 February 2015
We note that a public meeting re the threat to close Beckenham Place Park golf course organised by various golfers and non-golfers will take place on 24 February 2015 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Beckenham Cricket Club, Long Room, Foxgrove Road.

This follows further heated debate in the Daily Mail. One reader noted, "The councils don't care there all driving Porsche's".

Update – Beckenham Place Park golf course – 9 February 2015
In an article entitled "How will we get another McIlroy if we kill off golf's public courses?", Beckenham Place Park is featured in today's Daily Mail. The reference is to Rory McIlroy, MBE, a Northern Irish professional golfer from Holywood in County Down who is a member of both the European and PGA Tours. He is the current World Number One and a four-time major champion.

Update – river Ravensbourne bursts its banks – 25 November 2014
According to newspaper reports, around 1,800 square metres of the area around Loampit Vale in Lewisham was affected by flooding from noon onwards on 23 November 2014 after the river Ravensbourne burst its banks. The Lewisham Gateway team and the Environment Agency are conducting an investigation, which will identify if the works contributed to the flooding and if so what measures could be put in place to prevent further incidents.

Update – Streetlife – 7 August 2014
There's a discussion about the park and the proposals on the Streetlife site.

Update RVPS position 5 August 2014
See here for the Ravensbourne Valley Preservation Society position on the Lottery funding proposal.

Update
– answers to our questions – 24 July 2014
We can now publish the Environment Agency's answers to our questions. See here.

Update RVPS position 20 July 2014
See here for the Ravensbourne Valley Preservation Society position on the Lewisham and Catford flood alleviation scheme.

Update – Lottery funding – 11 July 2014
Sheep may safely graze once again at Beckenham Place Park, which this week won £4.9m Lottery funding, but not everyone is happy. See here for a golfer's view, who queries whether the park is used by an average of just 45 golfers a day. And do we share their worries about the proposed "event space", with the possibility of open-air concerts?


Sheep grazing in 1920s at Beckenham Place Park – photo courtesy of Phoenix Community Housing

Update Lottery funding 9 July 2014
Lewisham Council will consult current users of the park and the wider public as it develops more detailed plans for future use. See this webpage and the funding proposal for more detail. Key landscape proposed works relate to:
01. Existing park entrances
02. Existing path upgrades
03. New site wide path network
04. Removal of existing 18 hole golf course, for parkland restoration & historic view management
05. Beckenham Place Mansion
06. Proposed new car park
07. Southend Lodge & depot
08. Tennis court & kitchen/formal gardens
09. The Homesteads & Garden Cottage complex
10. Restored pleasure grounds + toddler play
11. Restored C18th lake
12. Existing park storage/depot area
13. Ash Plantation
14. Proposed designated BMX/cycle track
15. Adventure play to The Common & Ravensbourne River
16. Old Bromley Road playground
17. Old Bromley Road skate park
18. Old Bromley Road car park
19. Old Bromley Road new Kiosk / WC building

Update – Lottery funding – 7 July 2014
Parks and cemeteries across the UK have today received £34.5m in Lottery cash to support restoration and fundraising. Some 13 parks will receive backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund, including Beckenham Place Park, which will receive £4.9m. See here.

Update  Lewisham and Catford flood alleviation scheme  3 July 2014
Further information detailing the flood reduction scheme in Beckenham Place Park is now available. The files contain Environment Agency information, and copyright and database right reside with the Environment Agency. They comprise the following:

  • Posters – used as part of the public drop-in sessions detailing the proposals for the flood storage at Beckenham Place Park, works on Honor Oak stream and localised works to river wall (see especially Poster 5, also reproduced below, which shows a plan of the proposed works).
  • Briefing note – good as a handout and outlining the scheme with some background.
  • Flood map 
i) the Ravensbourne model, which has been produced by Halcrow in 2010 to show flood risk in each rainfall event (return period); and
ii) the National Flood Risk Assessment model, using local data and expertise.


Indicative plan of how the park could look

Update  flood alleviation scheme in our area  28 June 2014
The Environment Agency has just released details of a flood alleviation scheme in our area. In short, the intention is, at times of exceptional rainfall, to store temporarily water in our area to prevent flooding in Lewisham.

To do this a very big earth bank will be built in order to make, at times of exceptional rainfall, a lake. This lake will be formed on:

  • Summerhouse Field (the flat field next to the cycle path which itself is next to the river);
  • the rough piece of ground formerly the playing fields of the Goan Association (UK);
  • a large part of Warren Avenue Playing Fields; and
  • most of Millwall FC training ground.

The water will be released again, allowing the grass to reappear, after the risk of flooding downstream has passed. The briefing note from the Environment Agency gives further details. More information to follow when we have it.

Lewisham and Catford flood alleviation scheme – 26 June 2014
See here for how the Environment Agency is working to reduce the risk of flooding in the Lewisham and Catford area. This document explains the plans to manage flood risk within the floodplain of the river Ravensbourne, including flood storage at Beckenham Place Park.

Beckenham Place Park – Heritage Lottery – 10 January 2014
Kate Yorke has been in touch, indicating she works in the Programme Management team at Lewisham Council, and is currently working on the Heritage Lottery bids for Beckenham Place Park. The Friends of Beckenham Place Park group is very interested in the bid, and they have been invited to a consultation event that will be taking place on Saturday 18 January 2014 from 10 a.m. to about 3 p.m. at the Green Man in Downham. The Green Man is now a Phoenix housing office / events development on the site of the old Green Man pub, opposite Sainsbury's Homebase at Peter Pan’s Pool / Bromley Road, Southend Village.

The landscape architects that are involved in the bid have drawn up different options of how the park could look in the future which will be displayed at the event, and they would be interested in hearing opinions on each option. The architects will be explaining the plans to small groups which should leave plenty of time for questions and feedback.

The session on Saturday will be split into two groups – the morning (10 a.m. to 12 noon) will be specifically for current users of the park, such as the Friends of Beckenham Place Park and working party, and the afternoon (1 to 3:30 p.m.) will be open to all local residents that are interested.

It’s important that we make sure that the park's character is preserved, regardless of the preliminary grant bid process. The fear is that landscape architects will come up with grandiose schemes that destroy some of the natural aspects of the park.

Anyone would like to attend should you let Kate know by Friday 10 January 2014 .