The Planning Board of Greenwich Council met on Thursday, 24 September 2026. The board resolved to defer consideration of the application for the former Lewisham College site pending a decision by Lewisham Council. Full planning permission was granted for the erection of industrial warehouse buildings at 71-73 Nathan Way, Thamesmead.

Former Lewisham College, 1 Deptford Bridge, London, SE8 4HH

Consideration of the application for the former Lewisham College site at 1 Deptford Bridge, London, SE8 4HH, was deferred. This decision was made pending Lewisham Council's determination of their related application for the site.

Land at 71-73 Nathan Way, Thamesmead, London, SE28 0BQ

Full planning permission was granted for the erection of industrial warehouse buildings at 71-73 Nathan Way, Thamesmead, London, SE28 0BQ. The development will provide flexible employment space within Use Classes E(g)(iii), B2, and B8, with ancillary offices, access and servicing arrangements, vehicle and cycle parking, landscaping, an external amenity area, a roof-mounted photovoltaic array, enclosure measures including secure fencing and gates, a substation, and bin stores.

The permission is subject to conditions detailed in Appendix 2 of the reports pack and the prior completion of an agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. This agreement will contain planning obligations summarised in the heads of terms set out in Section 22.0 of the report. The Assistant Director (Planning & Building Control) has been authorised to make minor changes to the wording of conditions, finalise the Section 106 agreement, and consider refusal if the agreement is not completed within three months.

The decision to grant permission was made after officers determined that the development, despite a quantitative reduction in floor space compared to existing buildings, represented a significant intensification of industrial land. The proposal replaces poor-quality existing buildings with modern, high-quality industrial facilities, delivering strong economic benefits through job creation during construction and operation. Concerns raised by Transport for London regarding parking provision were considered proportionate by officers, and design discussions addressed the interface with Nathan Way, including the setback and tree planting. The development also achieved a significant biodiversity net gain of 182% and an all-electric energy strategy.

The application was presented to the Planning Board as a strategic application with a floor space in excess of 3,000 square metres. The site is a 1.04-hectare brownfield parcel in a heavily industrial area, with nearby business parks and prison facilities. While the site has a low Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL), it benefits from nearby bus services and is within walking distance of Plumstead Station. Environmental considerations included the site's location within Flood Zone 3a, an air quality management area, and its adjacency to designated sites of importance for nature conservation. The scheme was noted to achieve appropriate sustainability standards, targeting BREEAM excellence.

During the meeting, Councillor Lewis Hurst asked for clarification regarding Transport for London's objection over parking provision, to which officers explained that while TfL requested a car-free scheme, London Plan policies allow for flexibility in certain circumstances. Councillor Olu Babatola raised a question regarding trees and the development's interface with Nathan Way, which officers clarified involved discussions about increasing the setback for a larger green buffer. The officer explained that this was challenging due to impacts on on-site manoeuvring and servicing, but that greening had been improved.

Tim Rainbird, speaking on behalf of the applicant, highlighted the site's need for regeneration and the economic benefits of the redevelopment, including job creation and the fund's commitment to sustainability. He noted that the existing buildings were at the end of their economic life and that the new scheme would deliver modern, fit-for-purpose industrial units.

Members discussed the projected job numbers, with clarification sought on how the figure of 205 jobs was calculated, which was explained as being based on government-published employment density guides. Councillor Jahdia Spencer raised concerns about local resident recruitment and litter in the area, which the applicant addressed by highlighting financial contributions to community employment and skills, and the transformative regenerative effects of the development. Councillor Leonie Barron inquired about wider environmental influence to take in The Ridgeway, and officers confirmed contributions towards public realm enhancements, including The Ridgeway. Concerns were also raised about the consultation dates, which officers explained were chosen to avoid school holidays and reflected the limited residential properties in the vicinity. Councillor Austin McGrath asked about the applicant's history of delivering biodiversity net gain, and officers confirmed that planning conditions would secure the 182% gain.

The Chair, Councillor Jeremy Fraser, moved the recommendation to grant planning permission, highlighting the scheme's potential to set a standard for future developments in the area. The recommendation was unanimously approved.

The meeting concluded with an offer from Gillian MacInnes, Assistant Director (Planning & Building Control), for councillors to engage in Q&A sessions regarding planning matters.