Deputy mayor Jules Pipe says benefits of build-to-rent scheme outweigh harm to nearby Lesnes Abbey and concerns over height
The deputy mayor of London has overturned a London council’s rejection of plans for a 228-home build-to-rent tower in Abbey Wood.
Bexley Council had previously refused permission for Abbey Wood Sedgemere Limited’s plans to demolish existing commercial buildings and build a 25-storey tower next to the Elizabeth Line.
The council rejected the plan, designed by architect GRID, for several reasons, including the height of the building, potential harm to the nearby Lesnes Abbey and increased flood risks.
The scheme was called in by the Greater London Authority and deputy mayor Jules Pipe has now said in a decision notice: “Considerable weight and importance has been attached to the harm caused by the proposals to Lesnes Abbey. However, it is concluded that the public benefits delivered by the scheme, improved over the course of the application, would clearly and convincingly outweigh the heritage harm.”
Pipe added that the scheme would “make a positive contribution” towards achieving housing targets in alignment with the National Planning Policy Framework, London plan and Bexley’s local plan.
The developer made several changes to the scheme since it was called in. The scheme will include 35% affordable housing, and the proportion of these homes that are London Living Rent was increased from 30% to 51%. The flood risk assessment and drainage strategy was also altered. It proposes to discharge surface water into the sewer within Harrow Manorway.
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The notice said the development is considered to be largely in accordance with relevant design policy requirements. It said that while there are partial conflicts with London plan and local plan policies relating to tall building criteria, “the overall design is considered to be acceptable in response to the surrounding context and emerging character.”
Pipe said: “The proposed development would deliver new homes and affordable homes, along with non-residential town centre floorspace, public realm and landscape improvements within a highly accessible location. It would bring forward an underutilised brownfield site in close proximity to Abbey Wood Station.”
Companies House lists Neha Surendra Hiranandani as a person of significant control in Abbey Wood Sedgemere Limited. Hiranandani is the daughter of Mumbai billionaire real estate Surendra Hiranandani, founder of HOH Capital.
Bexley Council has been approached for comment.
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