Tomilyn
@tomilyn.bsky.social
books / buildings / bicycles
Writing on urbanism in Lewisham for Salamander News
Writing on urbanism in Lewisham for Salamander News
Pinned
Tomilyn
@tomilyn.bsky.social
· Sep 18
Please to have a new piece of fiction out with The Table Review today! Second in my series of short stories set around Overground Stations, this one starts on the CS4 with very length waits at traffic signals.
thetablereview.org/2025/09/18/s...
#shortstories #booksky #litmags
thetablereview.org/2025/09/18/s...
#shortstories #booksky #litmags
Now do Lewisham Way
Midsize cities across the U.S. are increasingly converting one-way streets to two-way routes. Transportation planners view the step as one of the easiest ways to improve safety and make downtowns more alluring to shoppers, restaurant patrons and would-be residents.
Cities designed 1-way streets to speed up traffic. Now they are scrapping them to slow it down
Midsize cities across the U.S. are increasingly converting one-way streets to two-way routes. Transportation planners view the step as one of the easiest ways to improve safety and make downtowns more alluring to shoppers, restaurant patrons and would-be residents.
bit.ly
January 17, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Now do Lewisham Way
Wonder at the maths of selling off los of their buildings to lease this one/the council's faith given the last minute plug pulling of schemes before
January 15, 2026 at 9:57 AM
Wonder at the maths of selling off los of their buildings to lease this one/the council's faith given the last minute plug pulling of schemes before
Reposted by Tomilyn
There's a new link to Cycleway 62 at Ilderton Road/Old Kent Road.
The prospect of cycling safely from Rotherhithe to Peckham just got a little bit closer.
@tomilyn.bsky.social @lewishamcyclists.bsky.social
www.salamandernews.org/old-kent-roa...
The prospect of cycling safely from Rotherhithe to Peckham just got a little bit closer.
@tomilyn.bsky.social @lewishamcyclists.bsky.social
www.salamandernews.org/old-kent-roa...
Old Kent Road: new link to Cycleway 62 at Ilderton Road | Salamander
The new segment brings the prospect of safe cycling from Rotherhithe to Peckham a bit closer. It is surrounded by high density new development of the Old Kent Road opportunity area.
www.salamandernews.org
January 11, 2026 at 3:45 PM
There's a new link to Cycleway 62 at Ilderton Road/Old Kent Road.
The prospect of cycling safely from Rotherhithe to Peckham just got a little bit closer.
@tomilyn.bsky.social @lewishamcyclists.bsky.social
www.salamandernews.org/old-kent-roa...
The prospect of cycling safely from Rotherhithe to Peckham just got a little bit closer.
@tomilyn.bsky.social @lewishamcyclists.bsky.social
www.salamandernews.org/old-kent-roa...
Love a new cycleway, but there might be some design flaws...
On #IldertonRoad in #Southwark a part of Cycleway 62 that will stretch from Peckham to Rotherhithe.
On #IldertonRoad in #Southwark a part of Cycleway 62 that will stretch from Peckham to Rotherhithe.
January 10, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Love a new cycleway, but there might be some design flaws...
On #IldertonRoad in #Southwark a part of Cycleway 62 that will stretch from Peckham to Rotherhithe.
On #IldertonRoad in #Southwark a part of Cycleway 62 that will stretch from Peckham to Rotherhithe.
That'd be a nice surprise! Can't imagine they can justify lowering the levels of what little 'affordable' housing they've included, in an election year too.
January 7, 2026 at 9:40 PM
That'd be a nice surprise! Can't imagine they can justify lowering the levels of what little 'affordable' housing they've included, in an election year too.
Council houses on site were demolished 15+ years ago, and has sat vacant since. Considering it's transport location (ten minute walk to New Cross Gate and Queens Road Peckham stations, and same to future planned Bakerloo site), makes sense to increase height, but not to have left rot for so long.
January 7, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Council houses on site were demolished 15+ years ago, and has sat vacant since. Considering it's transport location (ten minute walk to New Cross Gate and Queens Road Peckham stations, and same to future planned Bakerloo site), makes sense to increase height, but not to have left rot for so long.
In July 2025, an application for the Besson Street Redevelopment scheme was submitted to vary the description of the consent by removing the references to height (3-12 stories) and # of units (324).
The council is now seeking to amend, w drop-in session planned on 20th to introduce changes.
The council is now seeking to amend, w drop-in session planned on 20th to introduce changes.
January 7, 2026 at 7:36 PM
In July 2025, an application for the Besson Street Redevelopment scheme was submitted to vary the description of the consent by removing the references to height (3-12 stories) and # of units (324).
The council is now seeking to amend, w drop-in session planned on 20th to introduce changes.
The council is now seeking to amend, w drop-in session planned on 20th to introduce changes.
Cracking up at the fake restaurant in architectural renderings for a new tower on Old Kent Road printed on the hoardinds being called Bourgeoisie (and a "Starcups" next door). Subtlety is dead.
Not sure how much open air dining is going to be taking place on one of London's most polluted roads...
Not sure how much open air dining is going to be taking place on one of London's most polluted roads...
January 2, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Cracking up at the fake restaurant in architectural renderings for a new tower on Old Kent Road printed on the hoardinds being called Bourgeoisie (and a "Starcups" next door). Subtlety is dead.
Not sure how much open air dining is going to be taking place on one of London's most polluted roads...
Not sure how much open air dining is going to be taking place on one of London's most polluted roads...
This cycle link has been officially launched today by the council!
New story @salamandernews.org about cycle lane in Deptford: despite not opening till November, it is already abuzz with journeys. It connects to the C4 and C10, and could form part of 'Lewisham spine' cycle path www.salamandernews.org/deptford-chu...
#londoncycling #cyclinginfrastructure #deptford
#londoncycling #cyclinginfrastructure #deptford
Deptford Church Street - Lewisham's newest cycle lane already in use
The protected cycle route is due to be completed in November, but cyclists couldn't wait to start using it.
www.salamandernews.org
December 15, 2025 at 4:06 PM
This cycle link has been officially launched today by the council!
Spent last night plotting some of the Amersham Gyratory Action Group's next steps to make NX streets safer over pints and alcohol free wine @theshirkersrest.bsky.social . Get in touch if you're interested in getting involved in our advocacy efforts!
December 12, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Spent last night plotting some of the Amersham Gyratory Action Group's next steps to make NX streets safer over pints and alcohol free wine @theshirkersrest.bsky.social . Get in touch if you're interested in getting involved in our advocacy efforts!
Unsurprisingly, it's likely to be more student housing. @salamandernews.org has the details.
www.salamandernews.org/early-plans-...
www.salamandernews.org/early-plans-...
Early stage plans for purpose-built student housing at former New Cross delivery office
Landowner Northhold is in pre-application discussions to redevelop the former Royal Mail delivery office at 199-205 New Cross Road, to provide 137 student bedrooms.
www.salamandernews.org
December 11, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Unsurprisingly, it's likely to be more student housing. @salamandernews.org has the details.
www.salamandernews.org/early-plans-...
www.salamandernews.org/early-plans-...
Looks like we'll be hearing about a planning application in for the old Post Office building at 199 New Cross Road soon...
It's the unusally modern facade in the Hatcham Park Conservation area along New Cross Road.
(Photo from Google Street view)
It's the unusally modern facade in the Hatcham Park Conservation area along New Cross Road.
(Photo from Google Street view)
December 10, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Looks like we'll be hearing about a planning application in for the old Post Office building at 199 New Cross Road soon...
It's the unusally modern facade in the Hatcham Park Conservation area along New Cross Road.
(Photo from Google Street view)
It's the unusally modern facade in the Hatcham Park Conservation area along New Cross Road.
(Photo from Google Street view)
Got an automatic response that it's closed for submissions, either website or response might be out of date?
December 8, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Got an automatic response that it's closed for submissions, either website or response might be out of date?
Passenger incident this morning resulting in the suspension of DLR between Stratford and Canary Wharf and Polar and Canning Town
December 3, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Passenger incident this morning resulting in the suspension of DLR between Stratford and Canary Wharf and Polar and Canning Town
Reposted by Tomilyn
Southwark Council is consulting on the Lower Road cycleway scheme – part of Cycleway 4 and a vital safe cycling route for us in Greenwich.
engage.southwark.gov.uk/en-GB/projec...
Survey closes 14 December.
engage.southwark.gov.uk/en-GB/projec...
Survey closes 14 December.
November 27, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Southwark Council is consulting on the Lower Road cycleway scheme – part of Cycleway 4 and a vital safe cycling route for us in Greenwich.
engage.southwark.gov.uk/en-GB/projec...
Survey closes 14 December.
engage.southwark.gov.uk/en-GB/projec...
Survey closes 14 December.
TfL trumpets the trebling of cycle lanes in Lewisham over the last three years, but local cyclists aren't likely to notice a huge difference, with most improvements occurring before December 2022.
www.salamandernews.org/lewishams-cy...
@salamandernews.org
www.salamandernews.org/lewishams-cy...
@salamandernews.org
Lewisham's cycleway network has trebled in size (or has it?)
Transport for London hailed the increase in cycleways in Lewisham, but large parts of the "new" routes already existed.
www.salamandernews.org
November 19, 2025 at 12:01 PM
TfL trumpets the trebling of cycle lanes in Lewisham over the last three years, but local cyclists aren't likely to notice a huge difference, with most improvements occurring before December 2022.
www.salamandernews.org/lewishams-cy...
@salamandernews.org
www.salamandernews.org/lewishams-cy...
@salamandernews.org
"Everything, in the house, awaits the return of people who no longer exist."
The Palace on the Higher Hill, by Karim Kattan, translated by Jeffrey Zuckerman
The Palace on the Higher Hill, by Karim Kattan, translated by Jeffrey Zuckerman
November 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM
"Everything, in the house, awaits the return of people who no longer exist."
The Palace on the Higher Hill, by Karim Kattan, translated by Jeffrey Zuckerman
The Palace on the Higher Hill, by Karim Kattan, translated by Jeffrey Zuckerman
Why is Lewisham rolling out unproven expensive 'tech'? Filters built in roads to suck out car pollution, by a one man shop, w/o scientific evidence
Excellent story from @dorothystein.bsky.social on @salamandernews.org
www.salamandernews.org/unproven-unb...
#greenwashing #pollution #lewisham
Excellent story from @dorothystein.bsky.social on @salamandernews.org
www.salamandernews.org/unproven-unb...
#greenwashing #pollution #lewisham
Unproven and "unbelievable": why is Lewisham rolling out Roadvent?
The council plan to install the innovation at a highly polluted site near a school or nursery, but Salamander found no real-world evidence that it works.
www.salamandernews.org
November 7, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Why is Lewisham rolling out unproven expensive 'tech'? Filters built in roads to suck out car pollution, by a one man shop, w/o scientific evidence
Excellent story from @dorothystein.bsky.social on @salamandernews.org
www.salamandernews.org/unproven-unb...
#greenwashing #pollution #lewisham
Excellent story from @dorothystein.bsky.social on @salamandernews.org
www.salamandernews.org/unproven-unb...
#greenwashing #pollution #lewisham
Reposted by Tomilyn
Surrey Canal station is considered a "critical enabler of 8,400" new homes.
But developers aren't waiting.
@tomilyn.bsky.social finds a new neighbourhood forming ...
www.salamandernews.org/surrey-canal...
But developers aren't waiting.
@tomilyn.bsky.social finds a new neighbourhood forming ...
www.salamandernews.org/surrey-canal...
October 30, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Surrey Canal station is considered a "critical enabler of 8,400" new homes.
But developers aren't waiting.
@tomilyn.bsky.social finds a new neighbourhood forming ...
www.salamandernews.org/surrey-canal...
But developers aren't waiting.
@tomilyn.bsky.social finds a new neighbourhood forming ...
www.salamandernews.org/surrey-canal...
Construction on the A2 today effectively demonstrates how much safer Amersham Road feels w a bit of redesign. Construction is mostly on white marked lines where vehicles not allowed, but when just paint cars speed through dangerously. Today they slow! @london.gov.uk and @lewisham.gov.uk take action!
October 29, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Construction on the A2 today effectively demonstrates how much safer Amersham Road feels w a bit of redesign. Construction is mostly on white marked lines where vehicles not allowed, but when just paint cars speed through dangerously. Today they slow! @london.gov.uk and @lewisham.gov.uk take action!
October 27, 2025 at 1:40 PM
My article up on @salamandernews.org about why Blackheath Station Carpark is a perfect brownfield site for new homes, & an example of the pressure and opposition Lewisham faces at even gentle density increases, despite housing crisis
www.salamandernews.org/blackheath-s...
#Blackheath #housingcrisis
www.salamandernews.org/blackheath-s...
#Blackheath #housingcrisis
Blackheath station car park: the perfect site for car-free homes?
Developer Acorn wants to build 45 homes on the brownfield site, but celebrities are leading a fierce opposition campaign, arguing it will harm Blackheath's "traditional low-rise, village character".
www.salamandernews.org
October 25, 2025 at 2:54 PM
My article up on @salamandernews.org about why Blackheath Station Carpark is a perfect brownfield site for new homes, & an example of the pressure and opposition Lewisham faces at even gentle density increases, despite housing crisis
www.salamandernews.org/blackheath-s...
#Blackheath #housingcrisis
www.salamandernews.org/blackheath-s...
#Blackheath #housingcrisis
Car dependency is not the answer for our climate- and this doesn't even account for tire particle pollution!
Plug-in hybrids pollute almost as much as petrol cars, report finds
Plug-in hybrids pollute almost as much as petrol cars, report finds
Analysis of 800,000 European cars found real-world pollution from plug-in hybrids nearly five times greater than lab tests
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) pump out nearly five times more planet-heating pollution than official figures show, a report has found.
The cars, which can run on electric batteries as well as combustion engines, have been promoted by European carmakers as a way to cover long distances in a single drive – unlike fully electric cars – while still reducing emissions. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
October 16, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Car dependency is not the answer for our climate- and this doesn't even account for tire particle pollution!
"I smiled blackly through the windscreen, my mind on the neon lights of the West End. That illuminated cemetery."
Enter Ghost, by Isabella Hammad
Enter Ghost, by Isabella Hammad
October 12, 2025 at 2:28 PM
"I smiled blackly through the windscreen, my mind on the neon lights of the West End. That illuminated cemetery."
Enter Ghost, by Isabella Hammad
Enter Ghost, by Isabella Hammad
Lovely existing 4 and 5 story buildings in Blackheath, & carpark where millionaires launched a celebrity campaign saying building a 5 story building and 3 story townhouses would ruin historic Blacheath...(don't worry, the farmers market wouldn't go in the development). What's Jude Law so afraid of?!
October 5, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Lovely existing 4 and 5 story buildings in Blackheath, & carpark where millionaires launched a celebrity campaign saying building a 5 story building and 3 story townhouses would ruin historic Blacheath...(don't worry, the farmers market wouldn't go in the development). What's Jude Law so afraid of?!