Bid submitted for giant tower block close to Abbey Wood’s Elizabeth line station

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans have been put forward for a new 25-storey block in Abbey Wood. The proposal on Sedgemere Road would see 228 homes being added to the site beside Abbey Wood Elizabeth line station.

The application includes a pair of blocks, with the shorter structure rising to seven storeys. Planning documents from Grid, on behalf of Abbey Wood Sedgemere Limited, said that 35 per cent of the homes provided in the scheme would be ‘affordable’.

The ground floor of the project would feature bike storage and an ‘amenity space’ for residents. The developer says this area could be used as a gym or home working space. A terrace and communal kitchen with entertainment space are also envisaged for the building’s first floor.

The new public space design would include a public square and park running along Sedgemere Road alongside two elevated residential gardens. Public seating and greenery will feature with a new play area.

The plans state: “The site represents a unique development opportunity within the heart of Abbey Wood to significantly contribute to Bexley council’s housing delivery and the regeneration aims.”

Planning documents justified the height of the scheme by claiming the location of the nearby Elizabeth line station made it appropriate for high density housing. It was also noted that several other developments were planned for the area including blocks up to 17 storeys tall on Eynsham Drive.

Pictured top: A CGI of the new play space planned for the scheme (Picture: Grid / Abbey Wood Sedgemere)