As some of you are aware there is a new planning application submitted for 78 Red Lion Lane, the former Eagle pub. It appears there are now 14 bedsits in the building despite only having permission for 5 flats. It seems the owner has completely ignored planning regulations, which raises the question of what other legislation he will chose to ignore; are the bedsits safe, what fire risks exist, are the tenants being vetted correctly? In short he may well be putting both tenants and local residents at risk purely to line his pockets.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
The council gave conflicting information on the deadline for commenting on the developer’s new plans. However, it is now confirmed on the council website that you have until 1st February to voice your concerns. So there is still time submit your comments, using the details below:
The application reference is: 16/0106/ F
This can either been done on the Greenwich planning site: 16/0106/F planning application
Or send emails to: Chris.Mohtram@Royalgreenwich.gov.uk
SMOKE, MIRRORS & NUMBERS
As mentioned, the Eagle now seems to contain around 14 bedsits. The figure is hard to determine because the developer has not submitted a full set of drawings of what he has done or intends to do.
However, looking at the building from the outside it seems that:
- Basement and ground floor: Numbers on doors suggest there are at least nine bedsits on these floors; he is now seeking to reduce that number by just three – six flats instead of the four he has permission for on these two levels.
- First floor: Developer has created five bedsits, though he has permission for just one three-bedroom flat. The current application does not address this.
Only applying for the ground and basement levels is suspect; presumably he is hoping no one will notice the 5 bedsits on the first floor - (there should only be a 3 bed flat on the 1st floor according to the previous planning consent).
The application continues to mislead as it shows the currently converted and occupied basement and ground level as "disused Pub". The overall impression this gives is a poor attempt of using smoke and mirrors to deceive any one looking at this application.
The developer, Mr Salomon Kritzler, is a director of Winerose Ltd. Winerose have put applications for the Eagle previously. According to documents held by Companies House, Winerose has approximately £12 million worth of properties in their control.
Mr Kritzler and his business partners are also involved with a web of other companies, most of which are in the property sector.
One would expect a company of this scale that has operated for almost 20 years to understand their obligations under planning law or perhaps just how to avoid it in this case ? they certainly seem have a complete disregard for the law (and those living in or near their property) where they can profit from it.
