557 homes and mixed uses at Land bound by Vincent Road, Woolwich, London SE18

What was proposed

The application sought changes to the approved mixed-use scheme, including 557 homes, taller buildings, less commercial space, Build to Rent homes and demolition of the Bull Tavern.

“The current application comprises the following: ‘An application submitted under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 in connection with the planning permission dated 22/12/2022 (Reference: 22/1017/F) for “Demolition of the existing buildings and structure and the phased redevelopment of the site for a mixed-use scheme comprising a multipurpose leisure centre (Class F2), commercial and business uses (Class E), residential dwellings (Class C3), new public…”

“The following amendments to phase 2 of the consented development are sought and assessed in this report: • An increase in the total number of residential dwellings (Use Class C3) from 482 to 557. • A reduction of the quantum of commercial and business floorspace (Class E) from 1,070 sqm (GIA) to 255sqm (GIA). • Demolition of Bull Tavern (including façade previously to be retained).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 1.57-hectare town-centre site included shops, businesses, a vacant Bull Tavern, a disused car park, Troy Court and the leisure centre under construction.

“The site comprises a variety of land uses and building forms. The current uses include: • Shops and businesses along Vincent Road (Use Class E); • Bull Tavern building (Sui Generis) (currently vacant); • Multi-storey car park on Vincent Road (disused); • Troy Court - a two storey residential building (Use Class C3) comprising 24 homes (now decanted); and • New Leisure Centre ‘Woolwich Waves’ currently under construction nearing completion.”

“The site is subject to a number of designations, some of which apply to the whole site and some to individual parcels. In particular, the site falls within the Woolwich Opportunity Area as detailed within the London Plan (2021), and the Woolwich Strategic Development Location in the Core Strategy. Further to this, the site falls within the Woolwich Town Centre Masterplan SPD (2012).”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Permission for the wider phased redevelopment was granted in December 2022, with Phase 1 under construction and several later details approved.

“ITEM NO: 6 PAGE NO: 16 & 53 (Mechanical ventilation / Odour assessment) of planning permission 22/1017/F dated 22/12/2022 (Phase 1 only). 23/3980/SD Submission of details pursuant to the partial discharge of Condition 19 (Materials) of planning permission 22/1017/F dated 22/12/2022 (Phase 1).”

“ITEM NO: 6 PAGE NO: 17 25/1127/SD Submission of details pursuant to partially discharge Condition 56 (Noise Fixed Plant) of planning permission 22/1017/F dated 22/12/2022 (For Phase 1 only). Approved 15/05/2025 25/1922/SD Submission of details to partially discharge condition 45 (Delivery and Servicing Plan) of planning permission ref: 22/1017/F dated 21.12.2022.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Ramgarhia Sikh Association raised concerns about Block E, temple protection, noise and Mason’s Hill, and the applicant explained the scheme’s benefits and safeguards.

Members’ debate

Members discussed the Sikh Temple, height and massing, the Bull Tavern, social housing, community facilities, greening and continued engagement with the temple.

“Another Member noted that they had held concerns in respect of the substantive scheme and remained unhappy at the height and massing of some of the blocks in terms of the overall development of Woolwich, the impact on neighbouring estates and properties and the president it sets, however that the chanted from the approved scheme were not significant enough for it to be rejected.”

“Another Member welcomed the level of social housing homes included in the development and improved greening, including the community garden and square, however, they felt the used of more permeable surfaces could have been incorporated.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee voted to grant amended planning consent with 7 members in favour, none against and no abstentions.

“The Chair put the recommendation to grant amended planning consent to the vote with - 7 Members in favour 0 Members against 0 Members abstaining…”

Minutes

The decision

The application was granted for the amended phased mixed-use redevelopment, subject to mayoral referral, legal agreements, conditions and statutory registration.

“That planning application submitted under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 in connection with the planning permission dated 22/12/2022 (Reference: 22/1017/F) be granted for the demolition of the existing buildings and structure and the phased redevelopment of the site for a mixed-use scheme comprising a multipurpose leisure centre (Class F2), commercial and business uses (Class E), residential dwellings (Class C3), new public square and new public realm…”

“Page No: 10 Consent subject to (i) Referral of the application to the Mayor of London as required under the terms of The Town and Country Planning (Mayor of London) Order 2008;”

Minutes