Greenwich councillors were unhappy with the reduction in Morden Wharf’s affordable housing and the tallest tower being 35 storeys but they ultimately approved the plans
Revamped plans to build 1,500 homes across several tower blocks on the Greenwich Peninsula have been approved. The Morden Wharf project—expected to be completed by 2032—will go ahead despite a reduction in the scheme’s affordable housing stock.
Greenwich Council’s Planning Board heard an updated proposal from developer Galliard Homes in February, during which Galliard explained that the affordable offer had been reduced from 35 per cent to just 10 per cent because of increased construction costs and changing building regulations.
The Planning Board voted to defer its decision until the developer came back with more concrete plans to increase the amount of affordable housing following new housing measures brought in by the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Galliard returned to the committee on Tuesday (April 14), confirming Morden Wharf was eligible to receive GLA grant funding to double its affordable offer from 10 to 20 per cent. The new GLA measures mean that Morden Wharf will not have to undergo mid or late stage reviews.
These reviews compare updated sales and cost data against original projections to determine whether any additional affordable housing or financial contributions are required from the developer.
Chairman Dave Sullivan echoed the opinions of Planning Board members by saying that none of them were “comfortable” with the new plans, lamenting the loss of affordable housing as well as the removal of the reviews. However, the committee approved the plans as the project would help address the borough’s housing needs.
Councillors also approved changes to the appearance of the Morden Wharf scheme, including reducing the amount of tower blocks and shortening the tallest of the towers to lessen its impact on Greenwich’s world heritage site. The tallest block will reach 35 storeys, something described by Cllr Pat Greenwell as “unbelievable”.
Morden Wharf’s architect Jo Cowen spoke at the meeting on the unique octagonal design of the project’s towers, saying they helped in terms of wind and created larger gaps between buildings to bring in more light.
She said: “There has been enormous work. You won’t see buildings like this in London. They are first generation in terms of what’s coming forward, in terms of the form.”
The octagonal shape of the towers was appreciated by some councillors. Cllr David Gardner said: “Although I’m not keen on the height of the towers, I do like the octagonal shape of the towers because I think if you’re going to have a high building, it should be iconic and it should really stand out.”
This opinion was echoed by Cllr Greenwell. She said: “I will never, I suppose, come to terms with a 35-storey building… but I have listened carefully, and I do like the idea of the octagonal buildings.”
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