LUC has completed its Open Space and Metropolitan SINC reviews for the London Borough of Lewisham.

The Open Space review was submitted in support of Lewisham’s new Local Plan (2020 to 2040), with regard to the designation, protection and sensitive management of open spaces.

LUC’s expert Ecology team responded to specific aspects of the Local Plan’s consultation process, including review of the following:

• Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) designation hierarchy;
• Omitted open space;
• Boundary review of select open spaces; and
• Review of select Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) designations.

Our desk-based review considered the best available evidence in support of the new SINC proposals. We evaluated the possible creation of new SINC designations, changes to existing status, and boundary realignment.

The client subsequently appointed LUC to undertake ecological surveys of the Hither Green to Grove Park corridor. These surveys would inform proposals to combine several sites into a combined SINC of Metropolitan status.

Our team reviewed habitat condition (including specific assessments of wet woodland and calcareous grassland) and species (including invertebrates, bats, birds and hedgehogs). Using this information, we assessed the existing SINC network and the potentially enhanced protections afforded by merging the sites.

We also undertook consultation with the London Wildlife Trust, London Wildlife Sites Board, the council’s Ecological Regeneration Manager, and GiGL.

Learn more about Ecology services at LUC.