We are asking Lewisham Council to serve an S215 Enforcement Notice on the owner of this badly neglected and dilapidated building.
Why is this important?
This property was registered as an enforcement case (ref. EC/16/00356) by Lewisham Council in December 2016. An inspection was made and a letter was written to the owner, but the owner didn't reply, and no repairs have taken place. The council's enforcement officer then decided that the condition of the building wasn't serious enough to use the Council's legal powers and serve an S215 notice. This sends the wrong message to neglectful owners of buildings, that if they receive a warning letter from the local council they can safely ignore it, and nothing further will happen.
As time goes by, the condition of the building gets worse. There is a takeaway food shop on the ground floor, so there's a potential Health and Safety issue. It's not clear whether anyone lives on the upper two floors, which are designated as residential, but there are ragged, dirty net curtains in the top windows. A large plant is growing out of the stonework, as shown in the photograph -- its expanding roots will be causing more damage. There is a tile missing from the roof, the paintwork is peeling off, and the general appearance is dirty and uncared for.
The building is part of a 19th century terrace which has an application pending for local listing because of its heritage value. There is a longer-term plan to create a new conservation area containing this terrace, around the Lee Green Crossroads area. The buildings on either side of 124 and across the road are in good condition, so this one stands out like a sore thumb.
Lewisham Council has legal powers to do something about this, and the longer they leave it, the worse it will get. This neglected building is dragging our neighbourhood area down, and is depressing for the local people who live, work and shop here.
It's time for Lewisham Council to take action. Please sign this petition to prove to the Council how much you care -- thank you.
