Giant tower blocks will leave residents in “near complete darkness”

By Robert Firth, Local Democracy Reporter

South Londoners have said they will be left living in “near complete darkness” after a council approved three giant tower blocks next to their homes.

Lewisham council agreed the demolition of a warehouse building to make way for 220 new flats in Deptford at a planning meeting yesterday.

People living in the nearby Kent Wharf development said their health would be destroyed by the proposed new buildings, which they claim will block sunlight from their flats.

Three apartment blocks, the tallest being 19 storeys high, will be built on a former warehouse site as part of the Sun Wharf development by Deptford Creek.

A Kent Wharf resident only identified as Laurence F said the planned tower blocks would cause misery to existing residents.

He said: “We are not opposed to all forms of development of this site and we are aware of the need for housing in the borough.

“However any development must not cause the extreme and dangerous impact that are associated with the plans before you today.

“Bellway’s plans will lead to devastating loss of light for homes in Kent Wharf and will provide very poor levels of light for homes in Sun Wharf.”

But Scott Hudson, planning agent for Peabody and Bellway Homes, said developers had put in lots of effort to improve the planned flats with Lewisham council.

He said: “In summary, the applicant has worked extensively with the council for more than two years with the current Sun Wharf scheme before you this evening.

“The application will provide many substantive benefits which include new homes, new public realm, new public river walkway, a provision of creative commercial units providing up to 70 jobs on site, and a significant CIL [community infrastructure levy] payment which will cover infrastructure requirements.

“Peabody and Bellway are keen to deliver this site as soon as possible, which is targeting completion by 2025.”

Out of the 220 planned homes, 63 per cent or 143, will be for private rent. Of the remaining 57 homes, 46 will be available at London Affordable Rent and 31 will be shared ownership properties.

Pictured top: Lewisham council’s offices (Picture: Wikimedia Commons/Steve Cadman)