Post by L Roebuck on Jul 11, 2006 8:30:07 GMT -5
Fight to save ancient caves
06 July 2006
OUTRAGED residents have spoken out at home-building plans which would see part of an 8,000-year-old cave network destroyed.
Developers AMC New Homes intend to fill in three chambers of the historic Chislehurst Caves to lay foundations for a 14-home development on Chalk Pit Wood, Woodclyffe Drive.
However, the Woodclyffe Management Association, which represents nearby residents, is "vehemently opposed" to the "town's history" being lost.
"We are up in arms," said spokesman Adrian Zagoritis, "in light of the fact that decisions will be made concerning a local monument without consulting the local community."
The group are also concerned that 26 protected trees will be lost to the developers' bulldozers, and fear for a family of rare Natterer's Bats that have been discovered roosting underground.
Reg Parry, chairman of the Chislehurst Society, added: "We share the concerns of residents at the loss of an important part of Chislehurst's Heritage."
The row is the latest in a series going back more than a decade between the residents and developers. Permission for five homes was given on the site in the mid 1990s, but because of its location above the caves it was not financially viable, as shafts would have to be dug deep underground.
An application from Woodclyffe Developments for a 14-home development was refused by councillors in 2004, but passed on appeal by a government inspector in February 2005.
However, Woodclyffe Developments are poised to sell Chalk Pit Wood to AMC, who informed residents of their plans last week. A new application for planning permission, containing minor changes, is expected soon.
AMC New Homes and the owner of the caves, who it is believed supports the development, were unavailable to comment.
A council spokesman said: "Where a monument has not got protected status in effect the planning issues are the same as for any other application."
Despite their long history, the caves have no protection in law.
Built over 8,000 years by a succession of Saxons, Druids and Romans, the 20 miles of caverns and passageways became part of the Woolwich Arsenal in 1914 and were used as an ammunition depot.
In the Second World War they were used as an air raid shelter for hundreds. One child born in the underground caverns was Christened Cavina.
Since then they have also been used as a rock venue for The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix, and have been used to film TV series including Dr Who.
patrick.clift@archant.co.uk
Article: Bromley Times tinyurl.com/n4xl9
06 July 2006
OUTRAGED residents have spoken out at home-building plans which would see part of an 8,000-year-old cave network destroyed.
Developers AMC New Homes intend to fill in three chambers of the historic Chislehurst Caves to lay foundations for a 14-home development on Chalk Pit Wood, Woodclyffe Drive.
However, the Woodclyffe Management Association, which represents nearby residents, is "vehemently opposed" to the "town's history" being lost.
"We are up in arms," said spokesman Adrian Zagoritis, "in light of the fact that decisions will be made concerning a local monument without consulting the local community."
The group are also concerned that 26 protected trees will be lost to the developers' bulldozers, and fear for a family of rare Natterer's Bats that have been discovered roosting underground.
Reg Parry, chairman of the Chislehurst Society, added: "We share the concerns of residents at the loss of an important part of Chislehurst's Heritage."
The row is the latest in a series going back more than a decade between the residents and developers. Permission for five homes was given on the site in the mid 1990s, but because of its location above the caves it was not financially viable, as shafts would have to be dug deep underground.
An application from Woodclyffe Developments for a 14-home development was refused by councillors in 2004, but passed on appeal by a government inspector in February 2005.
However, Woodclyffe Developments are poised to sell Chalk Pit Wood to AMC, who informed residents of their plans last week. A new application for planning permission, containing minor changes, is expected soon.
AMC New Homes and the owner of the caves, who it is believed supports the development, were unavailable to comment.
A council spokesman said: "Where a monument has not got protected status in effect the planning issues are the same as for any other application."
Despite their long history, the caves have no protection in law.
Built over 8,000 years by a succession of Saxons, Druids and Romans, the 20 miles of caverns and passageways became part of the Woolwich Arsenal in 1914 and were used as an ammunition depot.
In the Second World War they were used as an air raid shelter for hundreds. One child born in the underground caverns was Christened Cavina.
Since then they have also been used as a rock venue for The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix, and have been used to film TV series including Dr Who.
patrick.clift@archant.co.uk
Article: Bromley Times tinyurl.com/n4xl9
