Woolwich blocks which did not comply with buildings regs ‘can stay’ inspectorate rules

A pair of Woolwich tower blocks earmarked for demolition will be allowed to stay standing, a Planning Inspector has decided.

Greenwich council had ordered developer Comer Homes to knock down the buildings in September 2023, claiming there were 26 material deviations from the planning permission it had granted in 2012.

The two buildings, at 23 and 15 storeys respectively, sit in Woolwich Church Street and contain 204 flats. Comer appealed against the ruling and an inquiry was held between July and September last year, with the decision notice being published last Thursday.

Planning Inspector John Braithwaite said Comer accepted that the original scheme had not been lawfully implemented and the existing buildings did not have planning permission.

But, the Planning Inspector stated in its decision notice: “Given the size of the development and the location of the site next to Woolwich Church Street, it would have been visually obvious that development was proceeding.”

The inspector issued planning permission in their decision for the development as it currently stands. They claimed the 204 flats in the scheme, including 28 affordable units, would be beneficial in a borough with a ‘woeful’ undersupply of housing.

Comer must make 11 material deviations to the buildings, including adding fire-resistant glass to balconies, within three years or else the council’s order for demolition will be upheld.

The developer is also required to pay £2.3million to the council to support facilities under the community infrastructure levy as well as make an affordable housing contribution of £4.4million to justify only 13 per cent of the blocks units being affordable.

A Comer Homes spokesman said: “We’re happy with the decision made by the independent inquiry and pleased that a satisfactory outcome has been reached for the good of the residents of Mast Quay Phase II. We look forward to now working closely with Greenwich council to move forward and bring this situation to a positive end.”

Greenwich council has been approached for comment.

Pictured top: The tower blocks, Mast Quay Phase 2, developed by the Comer Homes Group (Picture: Facundo Arrizabalaga)