The Royal Greenwich Planning Board met to discuss planning permission for a mixed-use development near Woolwich Crossrail station and a flexible use building in Thamesmead. Councillors approved both applications, subject to conditions and legal agreements.

Woolwich Crossrail Station East Ventilation Shaft, Arsenal Way, Woolwich, SE18

The board approved recommendations to grant full planning permission for a mixed-use development near Woolwich Crossrail station, located at Arsenal Way, Woolwich, SE18. The development includes residential dwellings, non-residential floor space, and the Woolwich Crossrail station's east ventilation shaft and service buildings.

The approval is subject to conditions, including a stage II referral to the Mayor of London, and a Section 106 agreement¹ covering planning obligations. Key points of discussion included:

• Disabled Parking: A councillor raised concerns about the number of disabled parking spaces (15) relative to the number of homes (575). An officer clarified that while the number is less than the 3% requirement, it was considered acceptable due to the site's location in Woolwich, with good transport links.
• Fire Safety: A query was raised about whether evacuation lifts would be protected by a dedicated lift lobby, following comments from the London Fire Brigade. An officer responded that the updated scheme addresses these concerns with a dedicated lobby.
• Eastern Entrance to the Elizabeth Line Station: A councillor asked whether the proposed development would prevent a future eastern entrance to the station. An officer confirmed that the development does not block any potential future access.
  • Jane Amantula, a local resident, spoke in favour of planning for a future eastern entrance.
  • Paul Pritchard from the applicant's team, Stantec, confirmed the scheme would not preclude a second station access.
• Loss of Sunlight: A councillor asked about the impact on sunlight to affected properties compared to the prior scheme. An officer stated that while some properties would see changes in magnitude, the overall environmental effects are largely consistent between the two schemes.
• Retail Space Strategy: A councillor asked about the strategy for letting the retail space. Paul Pritchard said they were seeking flexible E-use class consent to ensure as much flexibility. He added that they wanted to complement what is on the Royal Arsenal currently and not compete with the town centre.
• Nursery School: A councillor asked whether there were any potential renters for a nursery school. Paul Pritchard responded that they were in discussion with a nursery operator and facilitating something on their Plumstead site as well in the future.
• Affordable Housing: Councillor David Gardner, Deputy Mayor, applauded the fact that at least 35% of habitable rooms are affordable, with 74% of those being social rent.

138-140 Nathan Way, Thamesmead, London, SE28 0AU

The board approved recommendations to grant full planning permission for the demolition of an existing industrial warehouse and erection of a flexible use building at 138-140 Nathan Way, Thamesmead, London, SE28 0AU. The building will accommodate uses under Use Classes E(g)(iii), B2, and B8², with associated parking and utilities. The consent is subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, with an amendment to include consideration of a crossing across Kellner Road between the Ridgeway and the application site.

Key discussion points included:

• Public Realm Improvements: A councillor asked for more detail on the £90,000 contribution towards public realm improvements, particularly regarding cycle lanes. An officer responded that £50,000 would go towards the Ridgeway cycleway and £40,000 towards improvements along Nathan Way.
  • Councillor David Gardner suggested a two-way crossing to get from the Ridgeway to Kellner Road.
  • Beth Lancaster, an officer, said they could include consideration of a crossing in the wording of the financial contributions.
• Building Details: A councillor asked about the height of the proposed building compared to the existing warehouse, and the footprint of the building. An officer responded that the proposed building is a similar scale to the existing warehouse, and maximises the width of the site.
• Archaeological Potential: A councillor asked for clarity on the area's high archaeological potential. An officer responded that there were no objections raised subject to a written scheme of investigation.
• Entrance Location: Councillor ‘Lade Hephzibah Olugbemi asked about the entrance location, suggesting it be on Kellner Road to reduce traffic flow on Nathan Way. An officer responded that HDVs have better access along Nathan Way, and the office space is oriented to the Kellner Road frontage to support entrance to the Ridgeway.
• Building Usage: Councillor ‘Lade Hephzibah Olugbemi asked how the usage would be split between B2 and B8, and about the flexibility of future use. An officer responded that it would be a shell with flexible uses approved, and it is not fixed.
• Potential Renter: Councillor Ollie raised the potential of a nursery school renting the area. Andrew Winter from Stantec responded that they knew there was demand for nursery space throughout the Royal Arsenal and that part of Woolwich.
• Local Jobs: Councillor ‘Lade Hephzibah Olugbemi asked whether local residents would be considered for jobs. Andrew Winter responded that they were keen to meet that objective and were keen to work with Greenwich Local Labour and Business (GLLaB).
• Sustainable Deliveries: Councillor David Gardner asked whether thought would be given to last-mile deliveries being by more sustainable means. Andrew Winter responded that a lot of the interest they get is from organisations that are looking for sustainable premises.
• Greenery: Councillor Patricia Greenwell asked whether there was going to be any greenery on the site. Andrew Winter responded that they had landscape consultants that have helped them with that proposal for trees on scion hedges.