Campaigners appeal refusal of challenge over housing scheme and wildlife garden

Campaigners have vowed to appeal a judge’s decision to refuse permission for a judicial review challenge over the lawfulness of plans that would see a wildlife garden make way for a housing project.

Members of the Save Reginald! Save Tidemill! group have been occupying the Old Tidemill Wildlife Garden in Deptford since 29 August.

A judge at Bromley County Court had previously confirmed Lewisham Council’s right to possession of the wildlife garden as part of a housing development, but said it could not take place until seven days after an oral hearing in the High Court. That took place on 16 October.

Lewisham said the request for judicial review had been dismissed on all grounds.

Cllr Paul Bell, Cabinet Member for Housing at Lewisham, said: “We welcome the judicial review ruling. The Tidemill housing development will add 104 social homes, an increase of 800%. That is very significant at a time when we are in the grip of an acute housing crisis.

“We have been very clear all along about our commitment to provide much-needed homes for local people. This development is a key part of that. We are very keen to move forward as the longer the delay to the scheme, the longer the wait for those on the housing list.”