About David

I am a property writer whose weekly articles have appeared in the Evening Standard since 1986. My authoritative property features have won many awards.

A born-and-bred Londoner, I live in the same house in New Cross, south-east London, which I moved into with my family over 25 years ago.

Comments

[Hasan Ali]

Hi David
i was reading your article today about "if you love it - live it "
i am doing a photography course and was wondering if you were able to let me use the photos which were produced in the article, i am unable to take photos for it as i haven't purchased a camera yet

Regards
Hasan

[paul]

Hi David, I like your column but would like it even more if it had more local artical about Seven Sisters.We don't seem to get a good press so it woudl be nice to have your input.

Regards

From property weekly.

Grainger’s plans for a £60m retail and residential scheme at Wards Corner in north London were last night rejected by the local council.

Haringey Council voted five to four against the plans for the site above Seven Sisters tube station in Tottenham.

The plans have faced fierce opposition from members of the local community who want to protect the historic Seven Sisters market which would be redeveloped under the plans.

Grainger was originally handed the development brief for the scheme by the council in 2004, and had plans approved in 2008.However the plans were later thrown out by the Court of Appeal following complaints from residents.

Grainger’s plans would see new shops and 197 homes developed at the site.

The residential property company said today that it was “disappointed” at the decision.

A spokesman said: “We’ve spent the last seven years working on this scheme, which we believe will bring the economic and social regeneration that is desperately needed in this area of Tottenham.

“We would like to reassure the many members of the local community, who I know share in our disappointment, that Grainger has not given up on Wards Corner but we will now be taking this time to reflect and consider the best way forward in light of the Planning Committee’s comments.”

[Clive Roberts]

David

I am a Building Services Engineer and our whole ethos is energy engineering - and it always has been. Some of the comments in your articles regrading 'sealed' buildings and tiny proportions of a buildings energy use being from a wind turbine need to be balanced with the practicality and cost of alternative energy sources. To quote "20,000 kwh of energy per year for 223 flats below" when talking about The Tower. This is 100kwh per flat when it's windy, at a daytime rate about £5 a year - hardly solving the issue. The jury is out regarding passivhaus in an inner city and affordable environment - would you live in a single aspect aparmemt that you could not open the windows?

Give us a call. Energy efficient buildings ate a must. Simple architectural tokenism is a bit of a diversion!

[Kim Moore nee Fleming]

Hello David!

I would like some more information about the property market.

07745387382

Thanks

[Dudley Gillham]

I have to take issue with you David in your article on the 'Las Vegas style' development 'The Fold' on the 'humdrum Sidcup High Street'. The development is not on the High Street, it is in Station Road some half a mile away. Dudley Gillham

[Eva]

Dear David,

I often read your articles, which I find very interesting. However, they are always about areas already up and coming and/or already there.

It would great if you could write about areas that are not on the obvious radar of the public... For example, South Norwood! Home to Arthur Conan Doyle.

There a many victorian properties and new builds, lovely parks (South Norwood Lakes and South Norwood Country Park). It has trams, access to London Overground via Norwood Junction and the best thing, 12 minutes to London Bridge (the new commercial hub!) on the fast train to London Bridge. Even better, you can purchase three bedroom houses (victorian) under £230K and brand new 2 bed flats for under £190K. You get value for money.

I think this area is totally understated...

It would be greatly appreciated by many if you could write an articles on areas of London that never ever get a mention.

Many thanks
Eva