Southwark Council has given assurances that objections which mysteriously disappeared from their online planning applications register will be restored after a technical fault is repaired.
The glitch was first spotted by supporters of Canavan’s Pool Club in Peckham, who noticed 75 objections to a scheme which could threaten the future of the venue had vanished overnight.
Cllr Mark Williams, cabinet member for regeneration and new homes, said there was nothing untoward about the disappearing comments, but that “technical problems” with the planning portal website were stopping the comments showing to the public. “All of these comments are still held by us and the problem has been reported to our software provider. We hope it will be back up and running with all comments restored very soon. In the meantime we are still accepting comments, and all comments received are taken into consideration when making decisions on planning applications,” he said.
More than 5,000 people have signed an online petition to protect Canavan’s Pool Club in Rye Lane from a proposed development next door, which includes 22 flats.
Last night Canavan’s was also discussed at a public meeting held at the Bussey Building to discuss the future of Peckham.
“This isn’t just about me and my club, it’s about the future of Peckham,” said owner, Kieran Canavan. “We’ve all got to fight for that together.”
A spokesperson for 2 Gee Developments, which has put the controversial planning application into Southwark Council, previously said they were “aware of Mr Canavan’s concerns and we have sought to address these in relation to the layout of certain rooms within the development and through sound insulation.
“We would be happy to have further discussions with the operators of Canavan’s in the New Year to ensure that both the club and our development each meet our responsibilities in relation to noise management; this will ensure the success of both premises for the benefit of the local area.”
The News has been working with the council to get people to register to get email on planning applications viawww.southwark.gov.uk/planningregister
To view the planning application, visit the link above and enter 15/AP/4857 as a search reference or go to http://bit.ly/1B0suIP.
To view the online petition, visit http://chn.ge/1SPKcd8.