The Planning Board met to discuss eight planning and licensing applications, approving all of them with amendments to some conditions. The most significant decisions concerned a new community sports facility in Eltham, and a large mixed-use development in Woolwich.

Footscray Road sports facility approved with amended conditions

The board approved a planning application for new community sporting facilities at 177 Footscray Road, Eltham. The plans include two floodlit 3G pitches¹, five grass football pitches, a clubhouse/pavilion, paddle tennis courts, a play zone, car parking, landscaping, and improved access.

The approval is subject to conditions, including:

• A minimum of 40 cycle spaces must be provided.
• A second pedestrian access must be provided to the south of the site near the bus stop, with a footway along Footscray Road, including on the southern side of the main access way.
• Permeable paving, landscaping, and substantial canopy cover must be provided in the car park.
• The applicant/operator must establish a liaison group with local residents to monitor any impact of lighting and noise from the paddle courts.

The application received 114 letters of support and 52 letters of objection. Concerns raised by objectors included the impact on the openness of the Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), traffic, ecology, noise, disturbance to neighbours, and light pollution from the floodlights.

Councillor David Gardner, Chair of Audit and Risk Management Panel and Deputy Mayor, proposed amendments to the conditions to increase cycle parking, ensure a second pedestrian access, and require permeable paving and landscaping in the car park. He also proposed an informative to establish a liaison group with local residents.

Councillor Patricia Greenwell raised concerns about the potential for increased traffic and the impact on residents' mental health. She questioned the need for paddle courts, which she said would be too noisy.

The board heard from several public speakers, including residents who objected to the plans due to concerns about noise, light pollution, and traffic. Supporters of the application highlighted the benefits of the new facilities for the community, particularly for young people.

Woolwich development gets the go-ahead

The Planning Board approved a full planning permission for a mixed-use development on land bound by Beresford Street and Macbean Street in Woolwich. The development will include residential accommodation (Class C3²), shared living accommodation (Sui Generis³), and student accommodation (Sui Generis), alongside commercial (Class E⁴), community (Class F⁵) and a replacement Market Pound (Sui Generis).

The development will consist of six main buildings, including the retention and extension of the Electric Works building. It will provide 93 conventional homes (all affordable), 930 student beds, and 425 co-living rooms, as well as almost 1,800 square metres of non-residential floor space.

The approval is subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement⁶ to secure planning obligations.

The board heard that the scheme delivers a high-quality residential environment, with all homes meeting internal minimum space standards. The development is also committed to environmental and ecological sustainability, with an urban greening factor exceeding the London Plan target and a commitment to net-zero carbon emissions.

Councillor David Gardner supported the application, noting that it would bring life to a neglected section of Woolwich and provide much-needed affordable housing.

Amendments to Lombard Square development approved despite concerns over loss of family homes

The Planning Board approved applications for minor material and non-material amendments to a previously approved development at Lombard Square, land at Petman Crescent, Nathan Way and Adam Road, Thamesmead. The amendments include an increase in the number of homes provided in Plot 1, changes to the housing mix, and amendments to design codes and play provision.

The key change is an increase of 51 homes in Plot 1, achieved by reducing the number of three-bedroom units and increasing the number of one-bedroom units. This change is due to the development changing from wholly private sales units to built-to-rent units.

Several councillors expressed concern about the loss of three-bedroom family homes. Councillor David Gardner said the loss of family housing was most regrettable and went against council policy. Councillor ‘Lade Hephzibah Olugbemi and Councillor Patricia Greenwell also voiced their disappointment.

Despite these concerns, the board approved the applications, with some members noting that the change in use to built-to-rent made the revised housing mix acceptable.

Other planning decisions

The board also approved the following applications:

• 48-50 Artillery Place, Woolwich: Change of use from commercial to residential, with external alterations and extensions.
• Land at Penmon Road, Abbey Wood: Construction of a five-storey building comprising residential units.