Developers agree to height reduction for Thameside tower block

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

A 35-storey tower block that was planned beside the River Thames has been scaled back by two floors over fears it would impact the nearby World Heritage Site.

The move comes after developer Criterion Capital was advised by the council to reduce the height of the project following feedback from local groups.

The scheme, called Enderby Place, would see 564 new homes being added in three blocks at the East Greenwich site on Telcon Way.

The scheme was criticised by the authority at a planning meeting in May for its height, which consisted of a 35-storey tall tower along with two 23-storey blocks.

Peter Marsden of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site said: “We consider that the height of the tallest proposed structure of 35 storeys [would give] Enderby Place visual prominence and potentially create a table topping effect in views to and from the World Heritage Site when seen against other consented and existing tall buildings.”

Tim Barnes of the Greenwich Society also claimed at the meeting that the development would be visually intrusive from multiple angles. He added that he felt the nearby Morden Wharf project should not be taken as a precedent to justify the height of the scheme.

Tim Bysted, speaking on behalf of Criterion Capital, said Enderby Place would deliver much needed housing to the borough. However, the developer agreed to rework the scheme and the revised proposal depicts the tallest tower being reduced to 33 storeys, with the neighbouring blocks being increased to 24 storeys each.