Peabody has received the green light to build hundreds of new homes close to the new Abbey Wood Elizabeth line station in South Thameside.
The London Borough of Bexley resolved to grant outline planning permission for the development, whose initial plans will see up to 1,950 new homes delivered, of which at least 35% will be affordable.
There will also be up to 3,225 square metres of commercial floor space and “enhancements” to public open space.
The proposals follow a resident ballot on the future of the neighbourhood, which took place in spring 2020 and saw a 65.4% turnout, with more than 70% voting in favour of Peabody’s plans.
The new homes will replace the current estate, where the buildings suffer from poor energy efficiency and higher maintenance costs.
Wider South Thameside development
The proposals represent phases three to seven of Peabody’s wider masterplan for South Thamesmead.
Phase one, due to complete next month, includes 534 new homes, of which 55% are affordable.
Some 72 households have already been rehoused into phase one, and a further 109 families are expected to move by the end of the year.
Phase two will provide a further 329 new homes next to Southmere Lake, of which 42% will be affordable.
Peabody submitted a detailed planning application for this phase to Bexley Council earlier in 2022, with a view to breaking ground in 2023 subject to planning approval.
‘A sense of pride’
Matthew Foulis, project director Thamesmead for Peabody, said: “Bexley Council’s decision takes us yet another step closer to improving the quality of life for residents in South Thamesmead.
“As well as benefiting from new, high quality, energy-efficient homes close to the Elizabeth line, residents can also look forward to new facilities and more attractive, welcoming, and accessible open spaces on their doorstep.
“We know just how important it is to keep the community together.
“As well as offering residents new homes in South Thamesmead, meaning they can stay close to friends and neighbours, we also continue to offer plenty of opportunities for people to get involved in great local activities and events.
“In doing so we hope to work with the community to enhance the day-to-day experience of living here, so we all feel a sense of pride and belonging in this fantastic town.”
Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE, leader of the London Borough of Bexley, said: “We welcome Peabody’s continued investment in the development of south Thamesmead.
“The area has received a real boost with the start of services on the Elizabeth Line and we feel sure that the prospect of large numbers of new homes, commercial space and community facilities will be welcomed by existing and new residents.”
Prisca Thielmann, associate director at Maccreanor Lavington, said: “This is a unique opportunity to create a verdant residential neighbourhood, which is embedded into the existing landscape of Thamesmead.
“Clearly legible routes and characterful public spaces provide a sense of place and encourage incidental meeting, nurturing the community.
“Residents have expressed that they wish to have more access to things to do locally and the masterplan forms a piece in a wider mosaic of renewal aiming to improve the offer, with a new neighbourhood centre already delivered in Southmere.
“The now open Elizabeth line provides a fast connection into Central London.
“The proposed scale builds on the familiar height of six storeys found in historic cities, which is urban without being overbearing.
“This is adjusted in response to the site-specific contexts; larger buildings with mixed use ground floors are located on primary routes, while the scale steps down to single family terraces where it directly meets existing houses.”
Image: Artist’s impression of Peabody’s completed South Thameside development
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