The Royal Borough of Greenwich Planning Board met to discuss planning applications for the redevelopment of the VIP Trading Estate and the construction of affordable homes on Wricklemarsh Road. The board approved both applications, with conditions relating to transport contributions and construction standards.

VIP Trading Estate Redevelopment

The board approved the application for the redevelopment of Plot A of the VIP Trading Estate, located on Anchor and Hope Lane, for an industrial/logistics warehouse with ancillary office space. The redevelopment was approved subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement¹. The application sought permission for the redevelopment of the site for an industrial/logistics warehouse with ancillary office, creation of new access and associated parking, servicing, landscaping and other associated works. The proposed development would consist of a three-storey warehouse building, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, albeit at a reduced service between 6pm and 6am.

Lillian Durie, Planning Officer, presented the application, highlighting that the site is located within the Charlton Riverside Opportunity Area and Strategic Development Location. She noted the scheme's compliance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the London Plan and the Royal Greenwich Local Plan: Core Strategy with Detailed Policies. The proposal would increase the floor space from 579.8 square metres to 4,838 square metres, and would create between 42 and 81 jobs within the borough. The scheme would also achieve a BREEAM² excellent rating, be air quality neutral, and achieve a 30.19% biodiversity net gain. During the discussion, Councillor Patricia Greenwell raised concerns about the consultation process, noting that only one public comment was received. She also questioned the allocation of £50,000 towards bus stop enhancements, given that no bus route currently goes into Anchor and Hope Lane.

In response, Ms Durie clarified that the consultation was conducted via a site notice, press notice, and letters to neighbours. She also noted that the £2,000 contribution would improve tactile paving at access points and maintain the eastbound Bugsby's Way bus stop.

Councillor David Gardner raised concerns about accessibility from Charlton Station, the urban greening factor, and compliance with London Plan Policy T7³. Ms Durie explained that an active travel zone assessment identified potential improvements to accessibility, and a contribution of £2,000 was secured for these improvements. She also clarified that the urban greening factor did not need to comply because of the site's B2 and B8 use class designations⁴. George Jackson, owner of the Jackson Lift Group, spoke in support of the application, highlighting the decline in industrial land in Greenwich and the potential for job creation. He also noted that the proposals had been widely consulted on with local businesses and residents.

Alex Hickman from Greater London Industrial (GLI) explained that the development would transform an underutilised brownfield site into a high-quality industrial employment hub. He noted that the scheme is targeting BREEAM Excellent and would achieve a 30% biodiversity net gain.

Following the presentations and discussion, the board voted to approve the application, with an amendment to the condition of how the money will be allocated.

Garages at Wricklemarsh Road

The board approved the application for the demolition of existing garages and the construction of a part 3, part 1 storey residential building providing twelve affordable homes on Wricklemarsh Road, Kidbrooke. The approval was subject to conditions and the completion of a Director's Agreement.

Matthew Broome, Planning Officer, presented the application, noting that the proposal would provide six one-bedroom flats on the ground floor and six two-bedroom maisonettes on the two floors above. Six car parking spaces would be provided, and the road would be made a one-way system.

During the discussion, Councillor Gardner raised concerns about the lack of play space and the low urban greening factor. He suggested turning part of the roadway into green space to address these issues.

In response, Mr Broome acknowledged the lack of play space but noted that there are parks available nearby. He also explained that the inclusion of the roadway within the site area dragged the urban greening factor down.

Councillor Sullivan raised the possibility of using alternative, prefabricated materials for the construction. However, this suggestion was not supported by other members, who expressed a preference for traditional brick.

Councillor Greenwell raised concerns about the M42 standard⁵ not being met by the maisonettes and questioned the size of the gardens. Mr Broome clarified that the M42 standard was not required for small sites and that the garden sizes complied with London Plan standards.

Following the presentations and discussion, the board voted to approve the application, with the inclusion of an additional condition to prevent the roof of the first-floor outcrop being used as a terrace.