A bit late, but I thought I'd publish the letter which i received last month from Sir Simon Milton (as far as I know, no relation!) about what I perceived as the over-development of Lewisham Town Centre.  Of course, the prospects for the economy have changed dramatically since then and the possible risk now is of planning blight if these new developments remain on the table but they don't actually go ahead.  Which could be the worst of both worlds:

 
 
Date:  12 June 2008
Dear Andrew
 
Thank-you for your e-mail of 11th May outlining your concerns about the potential for over-
development in Lewisham Town Centre. 
 
I would like to take this opportunity to re-iterate how keen the Mayor is to have strong
relationships with all the boroughs and that this Mayoralty will listen to the boroughs’ needs. This
means developers will no longer be able to go behind boroughs’ backs, straight to the Mayor. 
 
Whilst I do not intend to re-open old planning permissions and consents, I intend to spend time
visiting the boroughs and listening to their ideas on regeneration. 
 
The Mayor wants to see beautiful new public spaces for London and striking architecture that will
excite and delight Londoners and visitors alike. Making London a more liveable city is part of our
vision, including creating better public spaces, protecting playing fields and back gardens and
developing new quality standards for housing. As a priority, we will look to find ways to give
further protection through the London Plan to small shops and high streets.  
 
Thank you again for writing and together with the Mayor I look forward to developing a strong and
constructive working relationship with all the London boroughs. 
 
Yours sincerely
 
 
 
 
 
Sir Simon Milton
 
Senior Adviser to the Mayor on Planning