Plans to build 1,500 homes on the Greenwich Peninsula are set to be approved despite a reduction in the scheme’s affordable housing.
The original proposal to build several tower blocks at Morden Wharf on the southwestern part of the peninsula was approved by Greenwich Council in 2022.
Developer Galliard Homes came back to the council’s Planning Board in February with an updated proposal that reduced the amount of affordable housing in the project’s housing stock from 35 per cent to just 10 per cent, citing increased construction costs and changing building regulations as key factors.
Galliard said it was hoping Morden Wharf would be able to deliver 20 per cent affordable housing or possibly higher, but it was waiting on the Greater London Authority’s new housing measures before making that commitment.
Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan announced the measures in October, with one of them being that developers without an upfront viability assessment can proceed if they can provide at least 20 per cent affordable housing, with schemes being able to access grant funding for around half of the affordable homes delivered.
Greenwich Council’s Planning Board voted to defer making a final decision on the updated Morden Wharf plans, seeking further clarification on the GLA’s new measures as well as more information on Galliard’s contact with registered providers to deliver the affordable housing stock.
Galliard has returned to the council now that the GLA has adopted the “Support for Housebuilding” London Plan Guidance (LPG). The LPG came into force last month, providing greater clarity on measures aimed to increase housebuilding across the capital.
Galliard has committed to delivering 20 per cent affordable housing at Morden Wharf as the GLA has confirmed the scheme is eligible to receive grant funding. If the plans are approved by the Planning Board next week, Galliard will not have to submit upfront viability assessments or be subject to mid or late stage reviews.
Viability assessments determine whether a proposed development can meet policy requirements—such as affordable housing—while remaining profitable. Mid and late stage reviews compare updated sales and cost data against original projections to determine whether any additional affordable housing or financial contributions are required.
Galliard also confirmed it had communicated with all 17 registered affordable housing providers on Greenwich Council’s list of preferred affordable housing providers. Galliard said five of these had expressed interest in delivering the affordable housing at Morden Wharf.
Greenwich planners have recommended the updated Morden Wharf plans for approval. The plans will be discussed at next week’s meeting of the Planning Board on April 14.
