Lewisham (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A 31-storey tower with 900 homes is planned for Deptford Bridge, Lewisham. With just 11% affordable housing, nearly nine in ten homes will be sold privately.
The development’s plans have been submitted to the authorities of Lewisham and Greenwich. The plans, which cross the borough boundary at Deptford Creek, would require approval from both authorities and London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan.
The developer, RER London, intends to provide dining and drinking options as well as to expose the riverfront to the public. Lewisham College left the premises last summer, therefore it is currently off-limits.
With a lease expiring in January 2027, only a few Goldsmiths University courses are being offered on the property.
A 31-story tower facing Deptford Broadway, an 11-story block adjacent to it, and blocks of 16 and 18 stories on a “peninsula” protruding into the creek beside the Bird’s Nest bar, next to where houseboats are moored, are among the four blocks that would be constructed on the Lewisham side of the creek. 597 homes are included in this.
On the Greenwich side, there would be three blocks: two that are eleven stories high and one that is twenty-five stories high, facing the stream. There would be 306 houses in these.
Additionally, a public square and a one-story business block will be located beneath the historic Mumford’s Mill, which was turned into homes a few years ago.
Locals frequently are concerned about construction-related noise, safety hazards, and disturbances.
Since it might not satisfy the demands of current inhabitants or add to the diversity of the community, the lack of affordable housing options in new developments is a serious concern.
Locals are very concerned about the Deptford Bridge development’s low ratio of affordable housing (11%) because they believe it could worsen gentrification and lessen neighborhood diversity.
However, 89% of the homes on the 903-home development will be sold privately. Only 33 of the remaining residences—10 in Greenwich and 23 in Lewisham—will be for those on housing waiting lists. Eight in Greenwich and fifteen in Lewisham will make up the remaining twenty-three for shared ownership.
Concerns over gentrification and the eviction of current residents have been raised by the low proportion of affordable housing. In order to guarantee that the development benefits the community, local organizations are pushing for more reasonably priced solutions.
In order to get input from stakeholders and locals, exhibitions and community engagement activities are being held during the consultation phase of the proposals.
The developer places a strong emphasis on producing high-quality residential areas as well as the project’s possible economic advantages, such as the development of jobs and local investment.
Critics counter that in order to preserve neighborhood diversity, these advantages should be weighed against more reasonably priced housing options.
The Docklands Light Railway passes through the property, and RER London claims it cannot afford to build any additional “affordable” accommodation there.
At a time when boroughs are under pressure to allow additional homes, RER hopes that the land’s position as a “windfall” site—neither borough has allocated it for housing—will entice the two councils to support the plan.
According to The Greenwich Wire, early proposals to demolish the former Greenwich Inn tavern on Greenwich High Road in order to create a vehicle access path into the site were shelved due to opposition from both Transport for London and Greenwich Council.
The 27-story Distillery Tower, which has dominated the region for more than ten years, would be joined by the new development across Deptford Bridge. Over the last ten years, a series of tall buildings have been constructed or are pending approval along both banks of the stream.
The Greenwich Council planning website has more information.
Although Lewisham has received a similar application, it has not yet been posted on its planning website. However, it should be visible in the next few days if you search for reference DC/25/139390 or the postcode SE8 4HH.
What are the main concerns of local residents about the new development in Lewisham and Greenwich?
Residents fear that as the population grows, more strain will be placed on already overburdened local services including schools, transportation, and healthcare.
Residents, developers, and municipal authorities frequently harbor suspicion of one another, which can obstruct productive dialogue and cooperation.
An area’s character can be altered by new construction, which could be interpreted as endangering locals’ sense of identity and place.
Locals may worry that new construction may result in gentrification, the eviction of current inhabitants, or modifications to nearby establishments and facilities.
Concerns exist on how new projects may affect the environment, including possible urban sprawl and a rise in societal problems.