Save Long Lane Ballcourt

Please help save Long Lane basketball court from being bulldozed.

Support local children and young people who use the outdoor basketball and 5-aside football court on Long Lane. Against the wishes of Elim Estate and local residents, Leathermarket JMB have submitted a planning application to build a 6-storey residential block on the site.

There is an accepted shortage of social housing, however there are many brownfield sites in the immediate vicinity that are far more suitable for development. Social housing targets can be delivered without destroying a well used and much loved children's outdoor sports facility.

Loss of similar sports facilities elsewhere in London has been directly linked to an increase of vulnerable young people becoming involved with anti social behaviour, youth crime and gang-related incidents. There is no doubt that loss of the ballcourt would have a negative impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of inner city kids, disproportionately impacting those from low-income or BAME backgrounds.

It's very easy to object, simply go to the planning register at https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/

The application reference number is 20/AP/3616, then click the 'Comments' tab to lodge and objection. For maximum impact please get every member of your household to object.

Thank you!

If this plan goes ahead which it probably will , how many areas are nearby for use to play ball games.? Where are the brownfield sites nearby are there..? I suppose the only thing I would be concerned about is six storey block being built would be say 24 flats...then only 4 for social housing...

To lose a great facility like baseball court for social housing is one thing. But to lose it for overseas developers to is another.

Thanks for posting Rob, I’ve just made my objections clear

"disproportionately impacting those from low income or BAME backgrounds"

and the divs keep dividing....

For alternative sports facilities there's Tabard Gardens which is always over-subscribed because it's so popular, and Guy Street park which isn't floodlit. Kids want safe spaces to play outside. There are lots of brownfield sites around, but a lack of joined-up thinking between JMB and local councillors. so JMB prefer to build on the ballcourt rather than keep the ballcourt AND build more social housing .

Fine to be cynical, the fact is local kids will be disadvantaged.

Rob, thanks for highlighting this shocking development. Simply put, all people require sports/play areas that are accessible and of good quality - especially the younger generations.

I agree that "there are many brownfield sites in the immediate vicinity", especially under-utilised lock-up garages. We have seen such redevelopments successfully completed elsewhere in SE1 (e.g. Marklake Court).

Leathermarket CBS seem to be on an aggressive drive to snatch land. There are plans afoot to cast a near permanent shadow over the Leather Gardens playground with an out of place 11 storey development!