Blackheath residents face new veterinary practice at former nightclub

Lewisham Council received a formal request on 23 October to change the use of the property at 7‑9 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath. The applicant, Virtue Petco Blackheath Ltd, seeks permission to operate a veterinary surgery where a restaurant and sui generis venue currently exist. If approved, the practice would serve the local community seven days a week, opening at eight in the morning and closing at seven in the evening, with an out‑of‑hours service for emergencies.

Details of the planning submission

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The application package includes an application form, location plan, site plan and a design and access statement. MyLondon reported that the design and access statement, dated 2 November, outlines the proposed operating hours and the provision of an emergency service. The council’s planning portal records the submission under reference DC/26/145852 and lists eleven individual documents attached to the file.

History of the Montpelier Vale site

The building previously housed Mordens, a venue that combined a wine bar, cocktail lounge, nightclub and restaurant. The business ceased operations in 2020, leaving the premises empty for more than three years. Property agents CDG Leisure spent 26 months trying to secure a new nightclub or bar operator but reported no serious interest. Their efforts included marketing the space to a wide network of potential occupiers.

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This level of response is highly unusual, particularly given the breadth of marketing undertaken and the extensive database of occupiers and agents to whom the opportunity was promoted.

Morris Greenberg, Managing Director, CDG Leisure

What the change means for local residents

A veterinary practice would provide pet owners in Blackheath and surrounding streets with a convenient local service, potentially reducing travel to other parts of the borough. The shift also removes the prospect of a nightlife venue returning to the site, which some residents have opposed due to noise concerns.

Lewisham Council will review the application against local planning policies, including considerations of traffic, parking and impact on nearby residential areas. The council is expected to open a statutory consultation, allowing neighbours to submit comments or objections before a decision is made.

Residents who wish to weigh in should monitor the council’s website for the consultation deadline and submit their views in writing. The council will publish its decision after the consultation period ends, which could take several weeks.