Council to sell the Old Dover Road car park

Traders at Blackheath Standard trying to prevent the sale of the car park. It is scheduled to go to auction on 11 December along with two other car parks, one in Plumstead and the other in Charlton.

Traders say that they are fully committed to working constructively with the Council, but selling the site before alternatives are explored or business impact is understood would be deeply damaging. Traders have been monitoring the car park themselves – after being told the site “wasn’t being used” – and have video evidence showing it is regularly ¾ full throughout the week. Businesses rely heavily on this footfall and accessibility.

The Council response is that the car park is not used to capacity. Transport have advised that this reflects the ongoing transition from car use to other more sustainable modes of transport, a trend that continues and is likely to result in a further decline in the use of the car park over time. Given these factors and that the area is also well served by public transport, Cabinet accepted the recommendation. However, a sale did not immediately proceed and the car park has continued to be operational for a further period of over a year. The sale is intended to go ahead at auction in December.

Traders feel that the effect of the loss of parking on their businesses should be considered more fully before the car park is put on the market.

If you wish to comment please write to your local Councillors.