For many months now a quiet battle has been brewing over the fate of a historic house in Grove Park. Local residents have been rallying against propositions to demolish Bethany House in order to build a community health center. 

In 2015 the former resident of Bethany House, Margaret Davey,  unfortunately, passed away. In her will, she left the house to the local GP's who had helped to care for her in her later life. Now, said doctors plan to demolish the historic house and construct a health center in its place.

Such planning has provoked an outcry from local residents.  Mother of two Janina Coghlan-Jasiewicz argues "The way this has been done so far has been very dishonest. There has been no dialogue with local residents, it was only a few days ago that the next door neighbors [of Bethany House] were informed of the plans to demolish it. "

These plans even prompted an action team, led by Janina Coghlan-Jasiewicz managed to collect over two-thousand signatures from local people who oppose the destruction.

Those against the construction of the new health center argue that it would increase the already heavy traffic in the area, and therefore also increase the risk of traffic accidents. 

Bethany House is situated on a corner of two roads, one of which leads to the local park, Chinbrook Meadows, where the road is a dead end.

 Suzzana Clarke, a local councilor, says: 'I have two young children. Considering the number of cars that this new building would bring, many of which would be forced to turn in front of the park gates, I feel my children safety would be at risk.'

 However many residents welcome the prospect of a new health center. With a two bus stops a mere stones-throw away it would be easy to access via public transport. Many elderly residents also feel that a health center with more facilities and proposed better services would benefit them as they grow older and require more care.

Next week local doctors and residents alike are to make their case to the Lewisham Planning Committee, who will decide whether to grant planning permission for the health center to be built.

 However, for now, all the residents of Grove Park can do is wait, and hope for the best.