The Planning Board of Greenwich Council met on Wednesday 02 July 2025 to discuss two planning applications. Permission was granted for the redevelopment of Plot A, VIP Trading Estate, into an industrial/logistics warehouse and for the demolition of garages at 2 Wricklemarsh Road to construct twelve affordable homes.

Plot A, VIP Trading Estate, Anchor and Hope Lane, London, SE7 7TE - Ref: 25/0717/F

The Board granted full planning permission for the redevelopment of Plot A on the VIP Trading Estate for an industrial/logistics warehouse with ancillary offices, new access, parking, servicing, and landscaping. The decision was subject to the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 legal agreement and a list of conditions.

The application proposed the redevelopment of a 0.857-hectare site, currently containing a warehouse and office building with hardstanding used for parking and storage, into a modern industrial/logistics warehouse. The new building would have a gross internal area of 4,838 sqm and a maximum external height of 18 metres. The proposal includes 12 car parking spaces, a reduction from the current 30, and 24 cycle parking spaces. The development aims to create between 42 and 81 jobs, a significant increase from the current estimated nine full-time employees.

Key considerations during the discussion included the site's location within the Charlton Riverside Opportunity Area and Strategic Development Location, its industrial heritage, and its proximity to the Charlton Riverside Conservation Area and locally listed buildings, Atlas Gardens and Derrick Gardens. Concerns were raised regarding the visual impact on residential neighbours, noise, traffic, and air quality.

The applicant, GLI Platform, highlighted the scheme's sustainability credentials, including a BREEAM Excellent rating, an air quality neutral status, and a predicted 146% CO2 saving. They also emphasised the regeneration of an underutilised site and the creation of much-needed employment opportunities. George Jackson, founder of Jackson Lift Group and director of Roperie Business Park, spoke in support of the development, citing its positive impact on the local economy and its improvement over the current site conditions. Alex Hickman, representing GLI Platform, detailed the extensive community consultation undertaken and the design revisions made in response to feedback.

The Section 106 agreement includes contributions towards road infrastructure improvements (£100,000), active travel (£2,000), bus stop enhancements (£50,000), and Greenwich Local Labour and Business Service (£48,380). A crucial amendment to the active travel and bus stop improvement obligation was made, combining them into a £52,000 contribution towards improvements that could include bus stop enhancements or public realm enhancements between the site and Charlton Station.

Garages Rear of 296 To 342, 2 Wricklemarsh Road, Kidbrooke, London. SE3 8ES - Ref: 25/1162/F

The Board granted full planning permission for the demolition of 37 existing garages and the construction of a part three-storey, part one-storey residential building to provide twelve affordable homes. The decision was subject to conditions, including an additional condition (Condition 28) to prevent the use of first-floor roof outcrops as terraces, and the satisfactory completion of a Director's Agreement.

The development, located on a 0.16-hectare site, will provide twelve affordable homes for social rent. This includes six one-bedroom flats on the ground floor, five of which are designed to be wheelchair accessible (M4(3) standard), and six two-bedroom maisonettes on the two floors above. The building will have a maximum height of 10.9 metres and will be finished in red brickwork. The scheme includes six car parking spaces, four of which are designated for blue badge holders, and 21 cycle parking spaces.

Concerns raised during the discussion included the lack of play space on-site, the Urban Greening Factor (UGF) being below the London Plan target, and the accessibility of the maisonettes. Officers noted that while play space was not provided on-site, Hornfair Park is accessible via safe routes. The UGF of 0.23 was attributed partly to the inclusion of the existing road within the site boundary, but the development was considered to achieve a significant biodiversity net gain. The maisonettes do not meet the M4(2) standard for step-free access to the principal living area due to site constraints, but five of the ground-floor flats exceed the M4(3) requirement.

The development is welcomed for providing much-needed affordable housing, with all twelve units designated for social rent, exceeding the Council's target of 35% affordable housing. The design was praised for its contemporary appearance, use of red brick, and integration into the local street scene. The Director's Agreement will secure the affordable housing provision, carbon offsetting contributions (£11,115), contributions to the Greenwich Local Labour and Business Service (£12,000), and highway works related to parking and traffic orders. Councillor David Sullivan raised a point about alternative building materials, but officers indicated a preference for traditional brickwork due to longevity and visual appeal, aligning with GLA policy on non-flammable external materials.

The meeting also included the standard procedural items of apologies for absence, urgent business, and declarations of interest. Councillor Sandra Bauer was noted as having apologies for lateness. No declarations of interest were made by members present.