UPDATE: Greenwich Council is poised to approve significant planning applications that could reshape the community, including a new sports complex and hundreds of affordable homes. The council’s Planning Board will convene on December 2, 2023, to discuss these transformative proposals that promise to impact local residents immediately.
Among the most anticipated developments is the proposal to revamp the Footscray Playing Fields in Eltham, a project spearheaded by GB10 Sports Ltd. The plans include the construction of two floodlit AstroTurf pitches, five grass pitches, and six padel courts, along with a children’s play area and a new clubhouse to replace one destroyed by fire in 2004. This ambitious project aims to enhance local sports facilities and serve as the academy base for Welling United FC. The community has largely voiced support, with 109 neighbors in favor, although 52 residents raised concerns about potential noise and light pollution.
In Woolwich, a second major application proposes the development of six tower blocks that will deliver an astounding 930 rooms of student accommodation, 93 affordable homes, and commercial units at the site of the former Electric Works building. The tallest block is projected to reach 23 stories high. Local reaction has been mixed, but some residents welcome the redevelopment of what they describe as an “eyesore” brownfield site.
The Planning Board will also review a proposal to add 51 more dwellings to the Lombard Square development in Plumstead, where nearly 2,000 homes are already under construction. Developer Berkeley seeks to introduce a built-to-rent scheme, modifying existing building layouts and heights.
Additionally, Greenwich Council plans to redevelop a vacant commercial building on Artillery Place into 17 affordable homes, furthering its commitment to increasing affordable housing options in the borough. Lastly, a new five-story development with 28 homes is proposed for land adjacent to Penmon Road in Abbey Wood, also driven by the council’s affordable housing initiative.
This series of planning applications marks a pivotal moment for Greenwich, addressing housing shortages while enhancing community sports facilities. Residents and stakeholders are urged to stay tuned as the council deliberates on these critical proposals.
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