Council officers most recently met representatives of Berkeley Homes at the end of August to discuss their Forest Hill Central development.
Berkeley Homes confirmed that their board has decided to suspend construction of the scheme pending the outcome of a recently submitted planning appeal.
The appeal relates to a planning application which was refused by Planning Committee (C) on 19 June for the alteration of 10 of the two bedroom units approved under planning permission DC/06/62989 dated 3.7.07 to provide for 14 one bedroom units on ground and first floors. This would not affect the external appearance of the development but would increase the total number of flats in the scheme to 75, of which 42 would be one bed and 33 two bed units. The previously approved mix of 71 flats consisted of 28 one bed units and 43 two bed units.
Berkeley stated that they will review the position in the light of the appeal decision when known and market conditions at the time. Based on current appeal timescales, which are taking in the order of six months to process, the Council is likely to hear the outcome of the appeal around January 2009.
The planning permission for the scheme also included payments for highway works in Perry Vale and improvements to the station underpass. These requirements have already been triggered and there should be no problem regarding their completion. Berkeley Homes have 16 months from commencement of the building works to agree the underpass improvement works with Network Rail.