Summary
A 204-home tower scheme in Woolwich, initially slated for demolition due to planning permission breaches, has been granted a reprieve by the Planning Inspectorate. The developer, Comer Homes, must implement specific design changes within three years, including replacing the orange cladding and addressing accessibility issues. This decision underscores the importance of adhering to planning regulations while considering the practicalities of rectifying deviations in completed buildings.
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Main Story
The fate of a controversial 204-home tower scheme in Woolwich has finally been determined. Originally facing a demolition order for breaching planning permission, the Mast Quay Phase II development has been granted a stay of execution by the Planning Inspectorate. This decision, while offering relief to the residents who have already made the tower their home, comes with stringent conditions.
The Road to Reprieve
The saga began in September 2023 when Greenwich Council issued an enforcement notice to Comer Homes, the developer of the Mast Quay Phase II project. The council cited 26 “major deviations” from the consented plans as grounds for demolition. These deviations ranged from visually jarring orange cladding to missing accessibility features in apartments designated as “accessible.” The developer appealed the demolition order, leading to an inquiry by the Planning Inspectorate.
The Inspector’s Verdict
Planning Inspector John Braithwaite’s ruling offers a compromise, acknowledging the need to address the planning breaches while considering the impact of demolition on existing residents. The demolition order remains in place, but Comer Homes has been granted three years to rectify the identified issues. Key among these is the removal of the “visually intrusive” orange cladding, which must be replaced with a color approved by Greenwich Council. Other required changes include the installation of grey panelling beneath windows, the incorporation of missing accessibility features, fire safety improvements, and enhancements to the public realm at the base of the buildings. While acknowledging the validity of many of the council’s concerns, Braithwaite reduced the original list of 26 planning deviations to 11.
Financial Implications
Beyond the required design modifications, Comer Homes faces significant financial penalties. The inspector ruled that the developer must contribute £4.4 million towards affordable housing elsewhere, addressing the shortfall in the completed scheme. Additionally, a £2.3 million community infrastructure levy payment is due. These financial obligations underscore the cost of deviating from approved plans.
A Broader Context: Changes to UK Building Regulations
This case highlights the increasing scrutiny on building regulations in the UK, particularly following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. The Building Safety Act 2022, which came into effect in stages between October 2023 and April 2024, introduced sweeping changes aimed at improving building safety and accountability. These changes include a new Dutyholder Regime, placing clear responsibilities on individuals and organizations involved in the design, construction, and management of buildings. The Mast Quay Phase II case, while predating the full implementation of the Act, reflects the growing emphasis on adherence to regulations and the consequences of non-compliance. The October 2023 implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022 ushered in new regulations focusing on higher-risk buildings. These regulations impact how building projects are managed, placing more responsibility on various dutyholders to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Lessons Learned
The Greenwich tower scheme serves as a cautionary tale for developers. Strict adherence to planning permissions is crucial, and deviations can lead to costly and time-consuming remedial actions, even in cases where complete demolition is deemed impractical. The case also underscores the importance of proactive communication with local authorities to address any unforeseen challenges during construction. While the reprieve offers a second chance for the Mast Quay Phase II development, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of getting it right the first time.
Visually intrusive orange cladding, you say? I bet the residents are thrilled to be living in what sounds like a giant traffic cone. Hopefully, the new colour scheme will be less… eye-catching? Perhaps a nice, calming beige that blends seamlessly with the London skyline? Dare to dream!
It’s funny you mention a “calming beige!” There’s definitely a push for more harmonious integration with the existing cityscape. The council will have the final say on the new color scheme, so fingers crossed for something a bit less…traffic cone-esque. What colours do you think would work well for the building?
Editor: FocusNews.Uk
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The financial penalties imposed on Comer Homes, including contributions to affordable housing and infrastructure, highlight the significant financial risks associated with non-compliance. How might these penalties influence future development practices and encourage greater adherence to planning regulations from the outset?
That’s a great point! The financial penalties are definitely a strong deterrent. Hopefully, this case will lead to more thorough pre-construction planning and risk assessments, encouraging developers to prioritize compliance to avoid similar costly outcomes. It will be interesting to see if insurance companies start playing a more active role too!
Editor: FocusNews.Uk
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£4.4 million towards affordable housing *elsewhere*? So, the residents get a beige tower, and another community gets actual homes? Sounds like someone found a loophole the size of the Thames. Bravo!
That’s a very valid point! It does raise questions about equitable distribution. Perhaps some of that money could be directed towards community enhancements around the Mast Quay development too, creating a win-win for everyone involved? What are your thoughts?
Editor: FocusNews.Uk
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Given the Building Safety Act 2022’s staged implementation, how might the outcome have differed if the Mast Quay Phase II project had been assessed under the fully enacted regulations, particularly regarding Dutyholder responsibilities?
That’s a really insightful question! Considering the fully enacted Building Safety Act 2022 and its Dutyholder responsibilities, the pre-construction planning phase would likely have faced much greater scrutiny. This could have potentially identified and mitigated many of the deviations before they materialized, possibly leading to a smoother, more compliant project from the start. The earlier engagement of a Principal Designer might have improved the overall project design.
Editor: FocusNews.Uk
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“Visually intrusive” orange cladding, you say? One wonders if Comer Homes was colourblind or taking design inspiration from a high-vis jacket. Here’s hoping Greenwich Council picks a replacement hue that’s less likely to cause retinal damage!
Haha, a high-vis jacket! That’s a funny take. Let’s hope Greenwich Council picks a colour that complements the area and doesn’t require sunglasses to view. What colours do you think would work well in the location? Perhaps a poll is needed.
Editor: FocusNews.Uk
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