The Planning Board of Greenwich Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 21 July 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on several planning applications, with a particular focus on a proposal for the redevelopment of the STC Ivor Grove Sports Club site in Eltham.

STC Ivor Grove Sports Club, Eltham

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed full planning permission for the demolition of existing sports club buildings and the redevelopment of associated sports fields at STC Ivor Grove Sports Club, Ivor Grove, Eltham, London, SE9 2AJ. The proposal seeks to erect 205 new homes, with the retention of the existing bowls lawn and the erection of a new bowls clubhouse. It also includes plans for the retention and configuration of the existing car park, along with associated open space, a community pavilion, landscaping, parking, and access.

The report pack indicates that officers are recommending that full planning permission be REFUSED for this development. The reasons for refusal centre on the substantial residential redevelopment of designated Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), which is afforded the same level of protection as Green Belt land. Officers believe this would cause substantial harm to the openness and character of the MOL, and that very special circumstances have not been demonstrated to outweigh this harm.

Furthermore, the proposal would lead to the loss of existing playing field land and sports pitch provision. The report notes that evidence does not demonstrate that these pitches are surplus to requirements; rather, they are identified as important for meeting local football demand. The loss of existing community facilities, including the pavilion and its social and recreational functions, is also cited as a reason for refusal, as the proposed replacement facilities are considered materially smaller and less flexible.

While the proposal offers substantial public benefits, including 205 new homes with 103 affordable homes (approximately 50% affordable housing), officers conclude that these benefits do not outweigh the identified harms. The report states that the presumption in favour of sustainable development is engaged due to the Council's housing land supply position, but that the adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. The report can be found in the Public reports pack.

Land to the east of East Parkside, Greenwich Peninsula

The board is also scheduled to consider a proposal for the temporary use of land for up to 10 years for the installation of an event space/structure and associated works to create a venue for the hosting of shows and events, including immersive interactive entertainments. This application, located on land to the east of East Parkside, south of Edmund Halley Way and west of Olympian Way ('Plot 20.02'), Greenwich Peninsula SE10, is recommended for GRANTING full planning permission, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and conditions. The venue would have a capacity of up to 1,500 guests and would create an estimated 50 full-time and 80 part-time jobs. The report highlights the positive contribution this would make to the Greenwich Peninsula's cultural offering and economy. The full report pack for this item is available in the Public reports pack.

Garage Sites Opposite to Sewell Road, Abbey Wood

Finally, the board will consider the redevelopment of two garage sites opposite 48-53 Sewell Road SE2 9XW and 23 Ampleforth Road SE2 9BD, at 17 Sewell Road SE2 9XN. The proposal involves the redevelopment of these sites to provide residential dwellings (Use Class C3), along with associated landscaping, parking, and storage. This application is recommended for GRANTING full planning permission, subject to a Section 111 legal agreement and conditions. The development would consist of two three-storey flatted blocks, providing 21 three-bedroom dwellings, all of which would be affordable homes offered at a Discount Market Rent. The report notes that this 100% affordable housing provision is a significant benefit. The full report pack for this item is available in the Public reports pack.

The meeting agenda also includes standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, urgent business, and declarations of interest, as well as the confirmation of minutes from previous meetings. The Agenda frontsheet provides further details on the meeting's location and time.