The architect behind a controversial housing development planned for the Blackheath station car park has defended the project after facing strong opposition from a celebrity-backed campaign that includes actor Jude Law. Acorn Property Group, a north London-based property developer, is proposing to build 20 houses and 25 apartments on the site, along with a new facility for the Blackheath Farmers Market, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
The ambitious five-story development, believed to be the largest ever proposed for Blackheath Village, would feature a row of terraced houses and two apartment blocks. The project also includes space for 40 market stalls, significantly expanding the current farmers market operations. Eight of the new residential units would be designated as affordable housing for people on Lewisham Council's waiting list.
Public opposition to the project has been substantial, with 638 people formally objecting to the plans through official channels. The Blackheath Society has been particularly critical, dismissing the proposed market arrangements as "fiction." In stark contrast, only 15 residents have written to Lewisham Council in support of the development, highlighting the significant community divide over the project.
Despite widespread community opposition, the project has received backing from London Farmers Markets, the organization that operates the current market. Mark Handley, the director of London Farmers Markets, told The Greenwich Wire earlier this year that the proposals would make market operations more efficient and allow for expansion. "The very last thing we want is a proposal that would see the market close," Handley emphasized, expressing strong support for the redevelopment plans.
The "Reject Blackheath Station" campaign has successfully recruited several high-profile supporters, including celebrities and public figures with local connections. The campaign describes the proposed development as "overbearing and unsympathetic" to the area's historic character. Notable supporters include actor Jude Law, who attended nearby John Ball Primary School in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler, LBC radio presenter Nick Ferrari, singer Sandie Shaw, humanitarian Sir Terry Waite, and Barney Ronay, The Guardian's chief sports writer.
Jude Law, drawing on his childhood connection to the area, expressed concern that the development would "enforce a strain on a wonderful old village that deserves our protection." Nick Ferrari, who currently lives in the vicinity, was more direct in his criticism, stating that the scheme would "irrevocably destroy a village loved by people all over London, and beyond." Sports journalist Barney Ronay warned that the new housing would "destroy the beautiful, fragile historic heart of Blackheath."
John Pardey, founder of the architecture firm that designed the scheme, strongly defended the project in a recent interview with Architects Journal. He characterized the development as "a change for the good," arguing that it would significantly improve the area. "The scheme offers the replacement of a car-centric environment characterized by poor-quality surface car parking with a highly considered design that we are convinced will enhance Blackheath Village," Pardey explained, noting that the project has been in development for four years.
Pardey emphasized the careful planning process behind the design, stating that "each building has been lovingly designed and informed by working closely with Lewisham's heritage and sustainability officers and heritage experts Montague Evans." He stressed that the architectural team worked diligently "to ensure that the scale and massing, as well as detailing, meet the very high demands of working in such a special conservation area."
The Blackheath Society has raised specific concerns about the consultation process and the project's potential impact on the local economy. According to the organization, a public consultation meeting held on July 3 revealed significant problems with the development process. "The meeting highlighted very clearly that the feedback from the consultation process had not been acted upon, there were serious concerns about the design, and there had been a significant lack of consultation, particularly with the local business community about the impact on the economy of the village," the Society stated.
Particular concerns center on parking implications and market operations, areas where the Society believes adequate studies have not been conducted. The organization indicated it is working with local residents to provide Lewisham Council officers with additional analysis of these critical issues. As the debate continues, community members can submit their comments about the scheme through Lewisham Council's official planning website, where the proposal remains under review.
