Dominic Cooper rallies against developer’s plans to build 45 new homes

Hollywood star Dominic Cooper has backed a campaign to stop plans to build 45 new homes, amid fears it will destroy the ‘unique character’ of the charming south London village he grew up in.

The Marvel actor has urged Lewisham Council to revisit the plans in Blackheath, claiming the Labour-run council ‘prioritises developer profit, whilst ignoring overwhelming public opposition’.

He is one of the A-list celebrities who have voiced concerns over developer Acorn’s plans to build 20 terraced houses and 25 flats as part of two towering blocks in the Blackheath Station car park, where the thriving farmers’ market is held every Sunday.

The plans would reduce the 162-space car park to just 17 – something locals fear will create ‘fighting for spaces’.

So far, the plans have attracted more than 1,200 objections, with just 30 comments in support and 12 neutral comments.    

Campaigners say the scale and design of the buildings is ‘out of character’ for the area, will ‘dwarf’ the existing Victorian-style terraces and looks over a primary school. 

An open letter has been submitted by a host of high-profile public figures, including Hollywood heartthrob Jude Law, fashion legend Jeff Banks and renowned author and humanitarian Sir Terry Waite.   

Cooper, who also starred in Mamma Mia and The History Boys, is among those who have criticised but insisted people who object are not ‘anti-development’.

He said: ‘Residents are not anti-development – they are instead demanding development that is fair, responsible, and puts local people at the heart of decision-making.

‘To plough ahead with a proposal of this size, that provides so little social and affordable housing, that prioritises developer profit, whilst ignoring overwhelming public opposition would amount to a devastating betrayal of the electorate.’

He urged Lewisham Council to revisit the plan, adding ‘anything less is a failure of its duty to the public it serves’. 

Last year, 80 local businesses signed a separate open letter urging the council to reject the plans, saying it is ‘the single biggest threat to the survival of Blackheath’s independent retailers’ and the ‘unique character of the village’. 

The council, which is set to vote on the plans this evening, said it could not comment as the plans are part of a live planning application.

TV Actress Sarah Hadland, 54, who has lived in the south-east London village for more than 20 years, has also called out the plans.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, The Miranda star said: ‘This is a good landmark to say “no this has to stop, you cannot destroy areas to make money for private developers”. 

‘They are the ones that are going to come out this the best. How does that work? They don’t have to live here.’

Ms Hadland, who was a Strictly Come Dancing finalist last year, added: ‘It’s very wrong and has to be stopped. If it doesn’t, this will become routine everywhere across this country. People will just be going, ‘We’ll build where we like because we want to make money”.’

‘I appreciate all different types of architecture but if you put something as sympathetic as that, it just looks extraordinary.’

The mother-of-one has accused the council of hypocrisy, enforcing strict planning laws on residents while pushing through developer’s projects.

She explained: ‘I live right in the heart of the village and I’ve had work done on my property and the rules have been incredibly strictly and rightly so. I understand and I’ve abided by those rules.

‘So to suddenly see the council themselves are going to let this north London building company Acorn build these flats is mystifying.

‘You think hang on a minute. We’re the one’s paying the council tax and we have to abide by these rules but why are you allowed to do this? 

‘I just think it’s very indicative of what’s going to be going up and down the country when it would appear that council’s are bending the rules to make money. 

‘But the people paying the consequences and the council tax and abiding by the rules are going to be traders and families and children.

‘And it’s taking amenities from the community – the car park and the farmer’s market which is a huge part of the Blackheath community.’

Also fighting it is Jude Law who penned: ‘I grew up in Blackheath. My junior school was across from the site where this proposed development will take place.

‘This plan does not answer housing needs. Instead this plan will enforce a strain on a wonderful old village that deserves our protection.’

Musician Chris Difford from the band Squeeze, which was formed locally, said: ‘This is heartbreaking – Blackheath has a skyline that is already suffocated by the horizon of Canary Wharf and the buildings in neighbouring Lewisham.

‘We must respect the beauty and freedom that the sky provides around Blackheath Village and say no to this new development.’

Dire Straits musician Mark Knopfler said: ‘Blackheath has always been a treasured area and one of London’s last intact villages. Let’s please leave it alone.’

Sir Terry Waite added: ‘My wife and I have had a house in Blackheath for over forty five years. It is a unique London Village where residents have both a strong sense of community and a respect for the distinctive features of Blackheath. 

‘The proposed development would severely impact the Farmers Market and place further strain on our overcrowded roadways. Furthermore it is totally out of sympathy with local buildings. I stand strongly opposed to this proposed project.’

And Jeff Banks, who opened his first shop in Blackheath called Clobber, wrote: ‘To imagine Blackheath succumbing to ill-conceived and mindless planning that would significantly change the historical value and heritage of one of London’s jewels in the crown does not bear thinking about. Sense must prevail over greed.’ 

A spokesman for Acorn previously said: ‘The pre-application process was accompanied and informed by engagement [via in-person events, as well as online] with local residents, businesses and stakeholders including the Blackheath Society – and the team continue to welcome comments and enquiries from interested residents and businesses throughout the planning process.

‘The proposed development will deliver 45 high-quality sustainable homes, including much needed, entirely social-rented, family sized affordable housing, re-provision and enhancement of the farmers market and a substantial number of public benefits prioritising a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable development that supports both residents and the natural environment.’