I have received a great deal of objections from New Cross residents regarding the redevelopment of New Cross Gate Retail Park proposed by Sainsbury’s and Mount Anvil.

Last year I met with Mount Anvil, Transport for London and local residents to discuss plans for the site and hear concerns. At every opportunity I have voiced my support for the campaign to bring the Bakerloo Line into the borough and with it the much needed additional transport services. TfL have previously advised me, and Sainsbury’s, that the retail park is a “core requirement” for the extension and interchange at New Cross Gate.

I recently attended a New X Action Group meeting with New Cross Councillor Joe Dromey following the validation of Sainsbury’s plans by the Lewisham Council. I agree with residents and Councillor Dromey that current plans for the site do not deliver the social and affordable housing desperately needed in my constituency and will put further burden on already overcrowded local transport.

I have been notified today ( February 28) by Lewisham Council Planning department that Sainsbury’s and Mount Anvil have withdrawn this application “Due to the increasing uncertainty around the Bakerloo Line Extension project, which has blighted the site, we have agreed not to pursue the application any further.”

Subsequently the public drop-in session due to take place from 5.30pm on Tuesday 3 March 2020 at New Cross Learning has been cancelled.

I would like to thank everyone who contacted me with their concerns about this application and the activists who have worked hard to counter it.

You can find out more about New X Action Group and future events on line here: https://newxgateactiongroup.org/events