A pair of tower blocks in Greenwich have been saved from destruction, though major design changes and huge payouts must occur to keep it this way.
In 2012 planning permission was granted to construct two build-to-rent apartment blocks of 23 and 15 storeys on Woolwich Church Street in Greenwich. However, upon completion Greenwich Council ruled the scheme failed to meet 26 requirements outlined in the planning documents and ordered for the buildings to be torn down.
Image credit: Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Developer Comer Homes – the organisation responsible for the project – appealed against the decision and an inquiry was held between July and September 2024. The outcome was revealed on 9th January which sided with Comer Homes, meaning the development – that is comprised of 204 flats – will stay put.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, planning inspector John Brathwaite said the flats would be beneficial in a borough with a ‘woeful’ undersupply of homes.
That said, Brathwaite also outlined Comer Homes must make 11 amendments to the scheme within a three-year timeframe – this deadline is not met, the demolition will go ahead.
Amendments include changing the bright orange panels that run down the side and bottom of the two buildings to a more neutral colour, so they fit in with surrounding developments. What’s more, developers must also add fire resistant glass to balconies, ensure the properties are more accessible to wheelchair users and market the residents’ gym to be used as a commercial unit.
Financial sacrifices have also been included in the plans to keep the apartment blocks. Comer Homes are required to pay Greenwich Council an affordable housing contribution of £4.4million due to Brathwaite discovering only 28 of the properties were earmarked as affordable when the development plans promised more.
Likewise, Comer Homes are also set to pay the council £2.3million which will be used towards community infrastructure levy payments.
‘We’re happy with the decision made by the independent inquiry and pleased that a satisfactory outcome has been reached for the good of the residents of mast Quay Phase 11,’ said a spokesperson from Comer Homes. ‘We look forward to now working closely with Greenwich Council to move forward and bring this situation to a positive end.’
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