The Planning Board of Greenwich Council met on Tuesday, 23 January 2024, to discuss several planning applications. Key decisions included granting planning permission and listed building consent for the restoration and change of use of Plumstead Power Station to a virtual film and TV production hub, and granting planning permission for 24 affordable residential units on Herbert Road. The board also resolved to defer a decision on the Former Wellington House application to allow for a site visit.

Former Wellington House, Messeter Place, Eltham, SE9 5DP - Ref: 23/2356/F

The Planning Board granted full planning permission for the construction of a self-storage facility with flexible office space at Former Wellington House. The decision was made with six members voting in favour, two against, and none abstaining. This permission is subject to the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement and a revised Condition 18 to include a revised east elevation. Councillor Gary Dillon, Chair of the Planning Board, noted his amazement that the demolition of Wellington House, which was about to be locally listed, was allowed under delegated decision. Concerns were raised by members and objectors regarding the massing, scale, and facing materials of the proposed building, with a particular focus on the east elevation's grey metal cladding being out of keeping with the area. Councillor Gardner proposed conditioning the east elevation to be more sympathetic, such as brick or a living wall, rather than metal cladding.

Plumstead Power Station, White Hart Road and White Hart Avenue, Plumstead, SE18 - Ref: 23/2425/F & 23/2426/L

Full planning permission and listed building consent were unanimously granted for the phased restoration and alterations of the Grade II listed former power station. The site will be converted into a virtual film and TV production hub, office space, and a research and development element. The decision was made with eight members in favour, none against, and none abstaining. The proposal involves a change of use to a Sui Generis use and is set to be developed in four phases. The Council's Conservation Officer noted that while the proposed works would cause less than substantial harm to the listed building, the public benefits of bringing the building back into use would outweigh this harm.

Public toilets and adjacent land at Herbert Road, north of Mayplace Lane and Acworth House, London, SE18 3BD - Ref: 23/0648/F

The Planning Board unanimously resolved to defer the decision on the redevelopment of the public toilets and adjacent land at Herbert Road. This deferral was to allow for a site visit to assess the topography of the area. The proposal seeks to construct a new part four-storey/part six-storey building to provide 24 affordable residential units for social rent. Councillor Ivis Williams, Ward Councillor, expressed concerns on behalf of residents regarding overpopulation, inadequate infrastructure, loss of privacy, and the building's height and density. She highlighted that the proposed block would be taller than the neighbouring Acworth House and would create an unacceptable impact on light and overshadowing. Residents also raised concerns about the bin access over private land and the relocation of the public toilet block.

Plot N0201, Peninsula Square, Greenwich, SE10 0DX - Ref: 23/2150/F

The Planning Board resolved to defer the decision on the construction of a 36-storey building for purpose-built student accommodation with ground-floor commercial space at Plot N0201, Peninsula Square. This deferral was due to time constraints, and the application will be considered at the next meeting. The proposal includes 820 student bedrooms, with 35% designated as affordable rent, and ancillary amenity space.

The meeting also included the confirmation of previous minutes and the noting of councillors' memberships on outside bodies.