Lewisham Refuses 548 Homes on Deptford Creek Over Tower Block Impact

Lewisham Council has refused plans for 548 homes in eight new tower blocks on Deptford Creek. The decision, made by the council's Strategic Planning Committee on September 24, cited concerns over the impact of the proposed high-rise buildings on existing houseboats.

Concerns Over Houseboat Community

Developer RER London had proposed building the tallest of the eight towers to 30 storeys. Planners at Lewisham had recommended refusal, stating that the concentration of tower blocks would not integrate well with the area's generally low-rise character. Residents also voiced opposition. Matthew Kennedy, a houseboat resident on the theatre arm of Deptford Creek, raised concerns that the new towers would reduce privacy and sunlight for his family and neighbours. He stated that his community, comprising 13 properties housing 27 people, has been a residential mooring since 1987, and criticised planning documents for referring to them as 'transient'.

A member of the Save Deptford High Street Campaign also criticised the development for its low number of affordable homes, proposing only 24 affordable units out of the total 802 planned across both boroughs. RER London stated that adding more affordable housing would make the development financially unviable.

Greenwich Defers Decision

Following Lewisham Council's refusal, Greenwich Council's Planning Board met on the same evening and voted to defer its decision on the remaining 254 homes planned for its side of Deptford Creek. The final decision on Lewisham's refusal will be referred to City Hall and the Government. Both Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, and Angela Rayner, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, have the authority to overturn local planning decisions for developments exceeding 150 homes.

The proposal by RER London aimed to create eight new tower blocks, with the tallest reaching 30 storeys. The developer had suggested the project would provide an opportunity to open up public access to Deptford Creek for the first time in over a century and contribute to local housing stock.