The London Legacy Development Corporation has refused Southern Housing Group’s plans for a £154m residential scheme the local authority fears is too tall and not viable.
The LLDC planning committee unanimously rejected the housing association’s plans for the third phase of Bow River Village this week.
Members also raised concerns over height, loss of light and the density of the 435-flat development, which rises to 25 storeys.
Southern Housing Group’s proposals comprise 224 market sale homes, with 99 shared ownership (intermediate), 20 London living rent (intermediate) homes and 92 London affordable rent. This equates to 50% by habitable room.
A report ahead of the committee outlines “substantial deficit” in viability and queries the departure from the local plan recommendations.
The plans include a gross development value of £153.9m overall, with an overall sales value of £145.4m against construction costs of £158.8m. Some £21.7m is attributed to inflation over a 38-month construction period, starting in March.
Patrick Duffy, director of new business at Southern Housing Group,said: ‘We are naturally disappointed by LLDC’s decision to refuse our application given the positive feedback that had been offered during the application process and the recognition that the proposal provides vital high quality design affordable homes for local people.
“Nevertheless, we will continue to consider our options for bringing forward this third and final phase of the group’s Bow River Village development. The completion of Bow River Village is integral to our commitment to bringing much-needed affordable homes to the area.”
Southern Housing Group acquired the land for phase three for £31m in 2018 and lodged the application in December 2019. The housing association has already completed and sold 145 flats in phase one and a further 112 in phase two.
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