I decided to send a brief response to this planning application:

Re: DC/08/69463 - The provision of a remote self contained ticket gate enclosure at Forest Hill Railway Station, Devonshire Road SE23.

I wish to object to this planning application as I believe it will present a safety risk, a security risk, and will increase anti-social behaviour around Forest Hill station.

1. The gates are too close to the bottom of a steep flight of steps. During rush hour these stair get very busy and barriers at the base will result in people backed up the stairs. The alignment of the gates means that if people are having problems with a ticket at one gate, other people will not easily be able to get to some of the other gates, closest to the underpass, and crowding will build up further.

2. No risk assessment has been undertaken to see what risks are posed by the proximity of the stairs to the barriers but I am not aware of any other station or tube where there is so little space between steep, dark steps and the ticket barriers.

3. No improvements are included to lighting on the stairs. During the winter months the evening rush hour is conducted in the dark and the lighting above the stairs is inadequate. Some additional lighting is provided by the lamppost directly in front of the base of the stairs, on the other side of where the enclosure will be build. By building a structure in this location light to the staircase will be significantly reduced, making it harder to see where the steps are, especially when there is significant crowding.

4. The base of the stairs was previously walled off from the pavement until this wall was removed at my request. With the wall present the base of the stairs gathered litter and was often smelly due to it being used as a urinal. I am concerned that putting a large structure in front of this area will again lead to anti-social behaviour in the vicinity, especially after 8pm when the gates will be left open and unmanned. The provision of an extra CCTV camera watching the stairs and the base of the stairs would probably deter this type of behaviour but has not been included in the design.

5. The bollards left on the pavement create a dead zone sided by the wall of the railway, the new barrier and the bollards. They will create a hazard by restricting the flow of people on the pavement and pushing pedestrians leaving the station close to the road at Perry Vale. Part of this development should include the removal of all of these bollards to best use the space. A bench could also be placed by the information boards for people waiting for friends and to improve the environment around Perry Vale.

6. Finally I would point out that this structure would be far better placed in the Perry Vale car park where is can provide level access to the platform and allow disabled people to park close to the entrance rather than having to walk up a flight of stairs.

I hope that you will take account of my concerns when you consider this planning application.