Lewisham Council has refused planning permission for a development of 548 homes on its side of Deptford Creek, citing the negative impact the proposed towers would have on nearby houseboats. The decision, made by the Strategic Planning Committee on September 24, was followed by Greenwich Council's Planning Board, which deferred its decision on the remaining 254 homes later the same evening.
Proposal Details and Refusal
The property developer RER London had proposed building eight new tower blocks by the creek, with the tallest reaching 30 storeys. Of the total 802 units, 548 were located in Lewisham and 254 in Greenwich. Lewisham planners had recommended refusal before the meeting, arguing that the concentration of several tower blocks would not integrate successfully with the relatively low-rise nature of the surrounding Deptford area.
Speaking at the Lewisham meeting, a planning consultant representing RER described the proposal as an "incredible opportunity" to open up public access to Deptford Creek for the first time in over 100 years. He stated that the plans would deliver a "genuine new residential community around the creek" that would contribute to the housing stock of both Lewisham and Greenwich.
Houseboat Residents' Concerns
The committee heard from Matthew Kennedy, a houseboat resident who lives on the theatre arm of Deptford Creek, directly opposite where two of the high-rise buildings are planned. Kennedy said the theatre arm is currently home to 27 people in 13 properties. He argued that the new towers would reduce privacy and sunlight for his family and neighbours.
Kennedy criticised the planning documents for referring to his houseboat community as "transient," noting that their home has been a residential mooring since 1987. He said he felt "gaslit" during the consultation process and that his concerns about light had consistently fallen on deaf ears.
Affordable Housing Criticism
A member of the Save Deptford High Street Campaign slammed the plans for their "shocking lack of affordable housing" and said the development was "taking advantage of our community" due to its good transport links via the DLR. The proposal included just 24 affordable homes out of the total 802 units.
RER said the development would not be financially viable if more affordable housing units were added to its housing mix. Lewisham's committee moved to refuse planning permission per the recommendation of officers, also citing the effect the towers would have on nearby houseboats in its refusal.
Next Steps and Potential Overturn
Although Lewisham has issued a refusal, the decision will be referred to City Hall and the Government. Sir Sadiq Khan and Angela Rayner have the power to overturn decisions made at a local level if residential development projects in London contain more than 150 homes. Greenwich Council's planning board deferred its decision following the outcome in Lewisham, leaving the future of the remaining 254 homes uncertain.
