English Heritage bid to list school is rejected
Friday, 26 November 2010
A SCHOOL is relieved that its ambitious rebuild plans will not be jeopardised by its building being listed by English Heritage.
The multimillion-pound plans to redevelop the run-down Sydenham School in Dartmouth Road, Sydenham, were thrown into doubt in August.
English Heritage recommended the building be Grade II listed, which would restrict what work could be done.
Lewisham Mayor Sir Steve Bullock joined the school in writing an urgent letter pleading with the Government not to list the school.
Lewisham West and Penge MP Jim Dowd also wrote to Heritage Minister John Penrose opposing the listing and tabled a question in Parliament about it in October.
The school was told in writing by the Government on Thursday that it had rejected English Heritage’s listing recommendation.
The unusual move follows Sir Steve telling Mr Penrose the building was “fit for nothing other than demolition�.
Lewisham Lib Dem councillor Alex Feakes, who is a school governor, said: “We are all very pleased to hear this news.
“It’s extremely unusual for the government to go against an English Heritage recommendation, but it’s common sense.
“It’s a bit like saying we once had a classic car, then decided to rebuild every bit of it, and then, only then, to be told it’s still the same car.
“With Government spending cuts causing a little bit of uncertainty, we now hope we will still be getting all of the money we were told we would get.�
The 1950s-built school was thought to have been designed by prominent architect Sir Basil Spence.
Sir Steve said: “I am delighted by this surprise decision.
“It strikes me as a fine example of a victory for common sense and I am sure it will be widely welcomed by the staff and students.
“They will now be able to enjoy a fit-for-purpose school in which to improve on their already impressive performance.�
The school has been allocated £20million through the Government’s Building Schools for the Future to refurbish and rebuild part the site.
A letter from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: “[Mr Penrose] has concluded that Sydenham School is not of sufficient architectural or historic interest to merit listing protection.�
For the full story, you can get a full online edition at www.slp-e-edition.co.uk
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