Since the land owners put 8A Courtrai Road SE23 up for sale last Saturday we have been working hard to try and update the local community and stakeholders as well as get some answers from the Council and some legal advice regarding the handling of this Asset of Community Value.

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It transpires that Lewisham Council have not been updating their Asset of Community Value List on their website over the last couple of years and because it is out of date and does not reflect current ACV details, the land owner may be able to market the site without giving the community it’s temporary protection period. Although this undermines the Asset of Community Value process, we have been assured by the Council that if a sale is attempted the ACV designation will prevent any transaction. Naturally we are very concerned that our rights have been impacted in this way and are are seeking advice on what measures we can take.

We would suggest that any community group who have an ACV listed with the Council check their Asset is properly recorded to avoid a similar situation. In the meantime we have contacted the property websites that are marketing the land to inform them that the site is an ACV as well as the fact that it is designated as Metropolitan Open Land (a fact not mentioned in the sales listing) and to highlight the errors contained within the listings such as incorrect sales history.

We have contacted our MP Ellie Reeves who has always supported this project as well as Cllr.James Walsh who we have asked to meet with us urgently. We have been requesting a meeting since the Local Plan was adopted in July 2025 and are hopeful that we will be offered a meeting soon.

We have also contacted the Lewisham branches of the four main political parties to brief them on the Gorne Wood Project so that they understand the importance of this project to Crofton Park residents, neighbouring wards and in particular Lewisham schools.

On Thursday morning we spoke to the children of Prendergast Primary School in Ladywell Ward updating them on the current situation and will be offering an update to the children of John Stainer School and Turnham School in Telegraph Hill Ward, Rathfern School in Rushey Green Ward and Elfrida School in Bellingham Ward who all campaigned so hard for this project. 

The Council have told us that they are in the process of writing a report for Mayor and Cabinet that summaries the benefits of the Gorne Wood land acquisition as well as the risks for them to consider. It is really important that they hear from as many people as possible on how important this land is to the community, to wildlife and to Lewisham’s green heritage.

Please contact your MP, your local councillors and Cllr.James Walsh.
ellie.reeves.mp@parliament.uk
James-J.Walsh@lewisham.gov.uk

It does not matter if you do not live in Crofton Park Ward. This a Metropolitan Site of Importance for Nature Conservation and is Metropolitan Open Land and as such it’s value is of London wide significance and not only valuable at ward or borough level.

As candidates knock on your doors canvassing for votes for the 2026 local elections please remind them that this Asset is important to you and needs to be in safe hands after decades of unforgivably damaging neglect.

We will keep you updated and thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

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