The Greenwich Council Planning Board met to discuss two planning applications: a deferred application for student housing at Greenwich Quay, and a new application for a mixed-use development at Millennium Retail Park. The board refused the Greenwich Quay application, citing concerns over height, massing, and impact on the local townscape and the Greenwich Maritime World Heritage Site. The board approved the Millennium Retail Park application, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, after discussing traffic, infrastructure, and community benefits.

Greenwich Quay Refused

The board refused planning permission for Greenwich Quay, Clarence Road, London SE8 3EY (reference 23/3847/F). Councillors cited the height and massing of the proposed building, its impact on the local townscape, and potential harm to strategic views from the National Maritime Museum, One Tree Hill, and Greenwich Park's Lover's Walk. Councillor David Gardner, Chair of Audit and Risk Management Panel and Deputy Mayor, expressed concern about the cumulative impact of tall buildings on the World Heritage Site. Councillor Olu Babatola, Chair of Pension Fund Investment & Administration Panel, raised concerns about the assembly point in case of fire and the oversupply of student accommodation in the area. Councillor ‘Lade Hephzibah Olugbemi also raised concerns about the environmental impact, sustainability, and affordability of the proposed development. Councillor Patricia Greenwell voiced concerns about the mixed and balanced communities, the turning circle area, and the adequacy of the turning area.

The reasons for refusal included:

• Height and massing harmful to the local townscape.
• Negative impact on the character and appearance of the local residential area.
• Impact on strategic views from the National Maritime Museum, One Tree Hill and Lover's Walk.
• Potential cumulative impact on the World Heritage Site.
• The site is not in a designated area for tall buildings.

Millennium Retail Park Approved with Amendments

The board approved the application for the Millennium Retail Park car park and 59 Bugsby's Way, London SE7 (reference 24/1965/F), subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement. The development includes the demolition of the existing commercial unit and the provision of new buildings and a basement comprising residential units, flexible commercial and community uses, a new public square, car parking, cycle parking, and amenity space.

Transport and Infrastructure Concerns

Councillors raised concerns about traffic congestion, particularly around the Angerstein roundabout, and the impact of the development on local infrastructure, including schools and GP services. Councillor Olugbemi expressed concern about the traffic gridlock around the area, especially on event days at the O2 arena. She also questioned the adequacy of existing infrastructure to support the new development.

Community Facilities and Affordable Housing

Councillor Gardner raised concerns about the community element of the development, seeking clarification on the built community element and guarantees that it would be affordable and accessible to local people. Sylvia Williams, representing the Greenwich Millennium Village Residents Association, objected to the lack of community conditions for the new development. She also raised concerns about the impact of more parking on local roads and the lack of clear plans for community facilities.

Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member Equality, Culture and Communities, questioned the affordable mix and the possibility of increasing the proportion of affordable rented units.

Daylight and Sunlight

Councillor Greenwell raised concerns about the daylight and sunlight assessments, noting that only 60% of the rooms met the minimum daylight standard and that 47% of the tested rooms met the BRE guidelines for sunlight.

Amendments to Conditions

The board approved amendments to conditions 21 and 62:

• Condition 62 was amended to ensure the community use management plan includes hours suitable for the local community.
• Condition 21 was amended to prioritise the removal of the Angerstein roundabout and, if not possible, to improve active travel routes in the vicinity.

Applicant's Response

Ewan Grunwald, speaking on behalf of the applicant, Wayborn, highlighted the benefits of the proposed development, including the provision of new homes, affordable housing, commercial floor space, and public realm improvements. He also addressed concerns about car parking, stating that negotiations with IKEA were ongoing.

Will Price, also from Wayborn, addressed concerns about the community use plan, stating that the pricing would be affordable and mechanisms would be in place to ensure affordability. He also noted that the applicant was working with the GLA for grant funding to maximise the affordable housing provision.

Final Decision

The board approved the application with the amended conditions.