The Planning Board of Greenwich Council met to discuss several planning applications, including a student accommodation complex at Greenwich Quay, a residential development at Flint Glass Wharf, and amendments to existing permissions at Kidbrooke Village and the Royal Arsenal Riverside. The board deferred a decision on Greenwich Quay for a site visit, approved the Flint Glass Wharf application with amendments, and approved changes to material specifications at Kidbrooke Village and the Royal Arsenal Riverside.

Greenwich Quay - 23/3847/F

The Planning Board deferred a decision on the application for Greenwich Quay, Clarence Road, London, SE8 3EY, for a site visit. The proposal is to demolish existing structures and construct a building for student accommodation and commercial space.

Key points raised during the discussion:

• Affordable Housing: Councillor Majella Anning, a Creekside ward councillor, questioned the scheme's compliance with London Plan Policy 3.9 regarding mixed and balanced communities, arguing that the area already has a high concentration of student housing and lacks social housing for local residents. She suggested that the council should have stressed the need for social housing with the developers earlier in the process.
• Density and Height: Councillor Anning also expressed concern that the density and height of the proposed buildings were inappropriate for the area and would create wind tunnels.
• Strategic Views: Councillor David Gardner, Deputy Mayor, Chair of Audit and Risk Management Panel, asked about the impact on strategic views from Greenwich Park. Joe Higgins, a planning officer, clarified that while the scheme is visible from some viewpoints in the park, it would cause a low level of harm and would be outweighed by the public benefits.
• Creekside Walk: Councillor Gardner also raised concerns about ensuring the delivery and perpetual public access to the proposed creekside walk. Higgins confirmed that this would be secured in the section 106 agreement¹.
• Fire Safety: Scott Fitzgerald, representing the Millennium Key Residence Association, raised concerns about emergency vehicle access via Clarence Road and the accuracy of fire safety documents. Higgins responded that the London Fire Brigade had raised no concerns and that the Health and Safety Executive was content with the fire strategy.
• Consultation: Yonathan Saba, a local resident, questioned the validity of the 294 letters of support, while Councillor Callum O'Byrne Mulligan highlighted the 248 objections. Charlotte Kiddy, a member of the public, criticised the lack of meaningful engagement with residents.

The Board agreed to defer the application for a site visit to further assess the concerns raised.

Flint Glass Wharf - 18/0732/F

The Planning Board approved the hybrid planning application for Flint Glass Wharf, 3 Herringham Road, Charlton, London SE7 8NJ, with amendments to increase cycle storage and prioritise affordable rent over shared ownership. The application includes detailed plans for the eastern part of the site and outline plans for the rest, with a total of up to 500 residential units and 1,782 square metres of non-residential space.

Key points raised during the discussion:

• Thames Path: Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member Equality, Culture and Communities, sought assurances about the design and continuity of the Thames Path. Jonathan Hartnett, a planning officer, confirmed that the path would be up to 13 metres wide in places and that conditions would ensure seamless integration with adjacent sites.
• Housing Mix: Councillor Bauer also asked about the mix of housing, particularly the availability of three-bedroom homes and the potential for shared ownership units to revert to rental properties. Hartnett clarified that the affordable housing offer includes a higher provision of larger three-bedroom units and that the council prefers an increase in the social rent component.
• Proximity to Tarmac Aggregates Site: Councillor Gardner expressed concern about the proximity of the development to the Tarmac aggregates site and the potential for noise and dust issues. Hartnett responded that conditions would protect future residents and that the safeguarded wharf operators had withdrawn their objections.
• Waste Management: Councillor Gardner asked about waste separation and collection. A representative for the applicant confirmed that each unit would have separate bins for general waste and recycling, and a private contractor would handle waste collection.

The Board approved the application with amendments to increase cycle storage and prioritise affordable rent over shared ownership.

Kidbrooke Village and Royal Arsenal Riverside - 23/3976/F and 24/0848/R

The Planning Board approved amendments to conditions for applications 23/3976/F and 24/0848/R, concerning Kidbrooke Village, Phase 5, and the Ropeyard, Royal Arsenal Riverside, respectively. The changes allow for the possible use of a brick-facing system instead of requiring full brick in construction.

Key points raised during the discussion:

• Sustainability of Sustainabrick : Councillor O'Byrne Mulligan expressed unease about the limited independent information on the proposed Sustainabrick material. A representative for the applicant, Phoebe Juggins, assured the board that the material had been rigorously tested and met all building safety regulations.
• Independent Due Diligence: Councillor Gardner asked about independent due diligence on Sustainabrick . Higgins responded that the amendment did not mandate the use of Sustainabrick , but allowed for its consideration.

The Board approved the amendments, permitting the consideration of alternative brick-facing systems.