The Royal Borough of Greenwich has announced that it will take enforcement action against Comer Homes Group’s Mast Quay Phase II development, located on Woolwich Church Street.
The council stated that the completed development is substantially different from what was initially granted planning permission in 2012, thus rendering it unlawful.
According to the Council’s investigations, there are at least 26 major deviations from the original plan. These discrepancies range from design alterations and material changes to the omission of promised amenities such as roof gardens, children’s play areas, and green roofs. The Council has noted that the development also lacks accessibility features and has reduced the amount of commercial floorspace originally planned.
The Council believes the only way to correct the issues caused by the deviations is to demolish the completed development and restore the land to its former condition. To support existing residents, the Council has issued direct communication offering support, assistance, and advice.
Cllr Anthony Okereke, leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “This decision is not one that the Royal Borough of Greenwich has taken lightly, but I believe it is reasonable and proportionate to the scale and seriousness of the situation. The right thing to do is not usually the easy thing to do. That is why we will not standby and allow poor quality and unlawful development anywhere in our borough and we are not afraid of taking difficult decisions when we believe it’s the right thing to do.”
Cllr Aidan Smith, cabinet member for Regeneration, described the development as a “mutant” that has become a blight on the landscape. He said: “High quality, beautiful and sustainable buildings and places are fundamental to what the planning and development process should achieve. If a scheme matching what has been built at Mast Quay Phase II was submitted for planning permission today, it would be refused.”
Cllr Ann-Marie Cousins, cabinet member for Community Safety and Enforcement, emphasized that the action is a result of a “complex, lengthy, and detailed investigation, including complaints from local residents.”
She added: “Without enforcement our planning system can have no integrity and that is why we will not shy away from property developers exploiting the system for their own gain, to the detriment of residents and other responsible developers who do the right thing.”
The Council issued an enforcement notice on Monday 25th September, which will be subject to appeal rights for at least 28 days following the issue date.
