South London tower blocks that didn’t match original plans won’t be demolished as council overruled

Woolwich: So, here’s the scoop. A couple of tower blocks in Woolwich were supposed to be torn down, but guess what? They’re staying put! A Planning Inspector decided that the buildings, which have 204 flats, can remain after an appeal from the developer, Comer Homes.

The council had ordered the demolition because they thought there were too many changes from the original plans. But the inspector pointed out that the council should have noticed the construction was happening all along. They even said it was pretty obvious given the size of the project.

Now, the inspector has given the green light for the buildings to stay, saying they’re actually needed in a borough that’s short on housing. They even liked some features of the buildings, like how they look without those bulky balconies.

However, there’s a catch. Comer has to make some changes within three years, like swapping out those bright orange panels for something more neutral. They also need to add fire-resistant glass and make the flats more accessible.

On top of that, they’ve got to cough up £2.3 million to help local facilities and another £4.4 million for affordable housing. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, but at least the residents can breathe easy for now.

Some locals were all for the demolition, while others wanted the blocks to stay. The Save Our Sails Action Group even said the buildings were well-built and shouldn’t be knocked down. Comer Homes is pretty pleased with the outcome and is looking forward to working with the council to sort everything out.

Greenwich Council hasn’t commented yet, but it’ll be interesting to see how this all plays out. If you’ve got a story to share, don’t hesitate to reach out!