It’s a no-go for Eltham ‘monstrosity’

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans for a new block of flats in Greenwich have been scrapped after more than 100 objections were received from residents, with one labelling the structure a ‘monstrosity’.

Greenwich council has refused plans for a set of 32 flats across a block up to five storeys tall in Crossmead in Eltham.

All three of the area’s ward councillors and local MP Clive Efford were among the objectors. Barbara Dryden, who lives next door to the proposed site, described the development as a ‘monstrosity’.

She said at the meeting: “I say this is unacceptable. Twenty two flats overlooking my garden? I’ll never have any privacy, I’ll never be able to walk outside without people watching me. I feel like I’m going to have a nervous breakdown over this.”

Neighbours also criticised the effect the structure may have on the Tarn, a nearby wild bird sanctuary. Susie Bassett, a neighbour and volunteer at the Tarn, claimed the pollutants that would be on the site during the block’s construction would cause devastation to the local wildlife.

A lack of affordable housing in the plans was also cited by objectors.

The planning board voted to refuse planning permission for the new flats on the grounds of overdevelopment of the site, the impact on the privacy of neighbours, and the effect the scheme would have on the Tarn.

Peter Tanner, planning associate at Stantec, said that developers Hikigaya 2 Limited had sought to respect the amenity of neighbouring properties while designing the proposal.

Picture: A visual representation of the building proposed for the Bridge House site (Picture: Craftworks /Stantec/Hikigaya 2 Limited)