pic: Plastic Plastic

New proposals for the redevelopment of Catford Greyhound Stadium into housing have been welcomed by residents.

Barratt Homes, in association with WWM Architects, proposed adjustments to the original 2009 plan for the housing development which will replace Catford Greyhound Stadium. They are to be approved in early 2014.

Margaret Howe, secretary of a residents’ group for the neighbouring streets of Westdown Rd and Bournville Rd, said: “The current site needs an improvement. These designs are far better than the first ones. I am in favour of these developments, but with reservations.”

“The traffic is a major concern, as the car access to the development will be through a single road, Westdown Rd. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to do anything about that.”

The housing development is expected to create 500 new homes, on the site between train tracks from Catford Bridge and Catford station. Work is expected to start in early 2014 to be completed by 2017.

At the Ladywell Fields User Group (LFUG) Annual General Meeting on Tuesday night, local residents and park users expressed concerns about the possible impact the works and the final development could have on the ecology of the area.

However, they were pleased with proposals for a “landscape-led design” which would notably preserve sunlight onto Ladywell Fields.

“We are much happier with these designs that what was proposed before,” said LFUG. “The redesign of the blocks at the North of the site, including the new choice of facing materials and reduction in storeys, results in a much improved view from the park.”

The developers are hosting a drop-in session next Tuesday October 22 in the Civic Suite of Catford Town Hall from 5 to 9pm. Residents who wish to contact the developers with comments or enquiries can also email info@catfordstadium.org or call 0845 460 6011.