‘The sense of Peckham as a place will be erased’: Heritage group doubles down on calls to halt development of town centre

A heritage group has urged residents to speak out against a housing firm’s plans to redevelop Peckham town centre, before the consultation is closed.

Peckham Heritage, an offshoot of campaign group Peckham Vision, has consistently opposed plans put forward by Berkeley Homes which include 14 high-rise tower blocks and the redevelopment of the Aylesham Centre in Rye Lane.

Claire Hegarty, architect, former chair of Peckham Heritage Regeneration Partnership, and member of Peckham Heritage said: “This development is not driven by any architectural, environmental or urban vision, but is shaped by the drive to cram as many luxury housing units as possible on the site.”

Campaigners fear that the plans will “dominate” the historic town centre which has evolved since the 18th century, with the development threatening to swallow up the old village core, at the junction of Peckham Hill Street and Peckham High Street and the Jones and Higgins tower.

Ms Hergarty said: “The overall effect of Berkeley’s proposals is that the sense of Peckham as a place is erased.”

Concerns over the redevelopment of the Aylesham centre – which is likely to see at least 850 homes built there in line with Southwark council’s local plan – have been bubbling up for around eight years.

In 2021, developers Blackrock sold the site to Berkeley Homes for an undisclosed fee, halting a planned £450million development.

In February 2024, after consultation with residents, the developer’s revised scheme reduced the homes from 1,050 to 850 with 35 per cent affordable and blocks rising to a maximum 20-storeys – still significantly taller than anything else in the area. 

Berkeley insists it is focussing on the “identity and character of Peckham” to create a scheme that will “enhance the lives” of local people. 

Its revised scheme will see tall buildings positioned to limit visual obstruction and 41 per cent of the site will be designated as public space. 

Peckham Heritage member, Eileen Conn, 83, who has lived in Bellenden Road, Peckham for 50 years said: “It’s vital that many local people give their views on the plans. 

“We hope that all who care about Peckham’s heritage will tell people they know about the plans and about the zoom session on 11 November 7-8.30pm. 

“This will include a talk about the history of this part of the centre of Peckham, and give an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the issues.”

Berkeley has been approached for comment.

Registration for the zoom meeting and presentation can be completed here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/act-now-to-defend-peckham-s-heritage-tickets-1054921050259?aff=oddtdtcreator

Pictured top: Peckham High Street/ Eileen Conn (Picture: Eileen Conn)