Plans for a substantial new residential development comprising 258 homes on a long-vacant sports ground in Blackheath, South London, have been unveiled by developer Derreb Limited. The proposal, known as the Moorehead Way project, aims to transform the 5.4-acre site of the former Huntsman Sports Club, which has been empty since 1998, into a modern neighbourhood.
Site History and Planning Context
The site is located at the south-eastern corner of the Cator Estate, just south of Blackheath Village. It has been identified in both Greenwich Council's local plan and the London Plan as a potential area for residential development, highlighting its strategic importance for addressing housing needs in the capital.
Since 2008, there have been four previous planning applications to build homes on this land. The most recent scheme, which proposed 130 units, progressed to appeal but was dismissed in November 2016. This refusal was primarily due to insufficient provision of affordable housing, a key consideration in local planning policies.
Development Details and Design Features
The new 258-home proposal includes a mix of property types: 238 apartments and 20 houses. Of these, 149 will be two-bedroom units, 61 will be one-bedroom apartments, and the remaining 46 residences will be a combination of three and four-bedroom homes. Notably, 33 of the units will be fully wheelchair accessible, enhancing inclusivity.
Alongside the residential buildings, the plans incorporate 490 cycle parking spaces and 95 car parking spaces, reflecting a balance between sustainable transport and practical needs. The development will also feature communal green areas, tree-lined streets, and private gardens, with a large indoor community space planned for all residents to use.
Affordable Housing and Viability Assessment
In response to past refusals, Derreb has addressed the affordable housing issue. The company stated that as part of the application process for the forthcoming 258-unit scheme, a viability assessment will be submitted. This assessment will evaluate what levels of affordable housing the development can feasibly provide.
Affordable homes will either be provided on-site or through a payment to Greenwich Council's offsite affordable housing delivery programme, ensuring compliance with local requirements.
Addressing Historical Covenants
The site is subject to a covenant dated November 5, 1956, which stipulates that the land should only be used for building detached houses. Derreb has acknowledged this constraint but explained that adhering strictly to the covenant would prevent delivery of the number of homes required by the London and local plans.
To respect the old covenant as much as possible, the emerging proposals place detached houses along the northern and western edges of the site, where the land borders the Blackheath Conservation Area. This approach aims to protect the character of the conservation area while maximising housing density.
Additionally, the two apartment buildings closest to the site's western boundary will be designed to resemble large, detached houses rather than obvious blocks of flats, blending with the surrounding architecture.
Public Consultation and Next Steps
Derreb is now seeking public feedback before submitting a full planning application to Greenwich Council. Interested parties can register for upcoming online consultation events taking place next week to learn more about the proposal and share their views.
This development represents a significant opportunity to revitalise a site that has been dormant for nearly three decades, contributing to London's ongoing efforts to increase housing supply in sustainable, well-designed communities.
