Two schemes in Greenwich, with more than 1,000 homes combined, have been “called in” by the mayor of London after they were refused consent at planning committee last month.
Sadiq Khan will now exercise his power to make himself the local planning authority in respect of both applications in a move that may see him overrule decisions taken by Labour councillors from his own party.
Rockwell’s Charlton Riverside scheme with 771 homes was turned down by 11 votes to zero, with the new planning chair describing the plans as “looking like Stalingrad”.
A proposal for 272 new homes by JMH Group, close to Abbey Wood station, was also originally refused unanimously. Both schemes lie in opportunity areas and proposed 35% affordable housing, and went before committee with recommendations for approval from planning officers.
Donal Mulryan, founder of Rockwell, said: “We are delighted that the mayor has chosen to step in to oversee the determination of these proposals and we look forward to working with the mayor’s office to unlock the Charlton Riverside Opportunity Area.”
Greg Smith, GVA, working on behalf of developer Rockwell added: “This is a positive sign that many of London’s property developers have been hoping to see since the local elections concluded in May.
“This shows a willingness from the mayor to intervene in Labour boroughs where high quality design is promoted and there is a strong commitment to delivering affordable homes.
“There has been a growing trend of large scale regeneration schemes being refused at the local level against planning officer recommendations. We need a more positive outlook from our elected representatives to help get house building moving at the pace needed to meet demand and address London’s affordability crisis.”
The make-up of the planning committee changed considerably after May’s local elections, with local journalist Darryl Chamberlain commenting on the committee turning down the schemes.
“Greenwich’s planning board needed a change, it was the only planning committee in London that had its council leader on it, and its credibility with residents had been broken by controversial decisions like the Enderby Wharf cruise liner terminal” he said.
He went on to describe how some members appeared to lack basic planning knowledge, with some even asking what outline permission meant.
“Other times, questions were asked regarding things that simply aren’t related to planning – like ‘who can afford these properties?’” Chamberlain added.
In taking over the decision making powers, City Hall’s report illustrates Greenwich’s home building statistics, against London overall.
The report states “it is evident that the delivery of new homes and net additional affordable housing on a pan-London basis is significantly below the London Plan target”.
It also makes it clear that the draft London Plan will see Greenwich’s housing targets rise from 26,850 to 32,040.
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