The next phase of a multi-million pound redevelopment scheme in central Woolwich was unanimously rejected by Greenwich Council.

The latest phase of the redevelopment of Love Lane proposed to create seven buildings for upto 550 residential units and commercial space.

This plan was rejected at a Greenwich Council planning board meeting on Tuesday (March 17).

Serious concerns from residents about daylight and a lack of affordable housing were contributing factors in the plan being rejected.

Developers of Woolwich Central Phase 4 proposed to include 10% of affordable housing at the development and 10% off site, which would fund affordable housing elsewhere in Greenwich.

This was criticised for being below the council's minimum affordable housing rate for new developments of 27% and for not having enough affordable housing at the development.

Woolwich Common Councillor David Gardner described the affordable housing plan as "apartheid".

He said: "I'm delighted that the planning board listened very carefully to the serious concerns of local people and organisations on the potential impact to the conservation area, the lack of affordable housing, and the loss of amenity and daylight for nearby residents."

Statements were also made by nearby residents of the development who claimed that the sunlight they received would be severely restricted due to the height of the 22 storey block.

Spenhill Developments, Woolwich Central developers, have said that they are awaiting publication of the detailed reasons for refusal and will then consider how to move forward.

Project leader Paul Bench said: "We are disappointed the Woolwich Central Phase 4 application was refused.

"Woolwich Central has been a major catalyst for the regeneration of Woolwich Town Centre and has delivered new civic offices for Greenwich Council and a new Tesco store.

"It has created hundreds of new jobs, including 100 jobs for the local long term unemployed in the Borough.

"We are determined Phase 4 will build on this success and we are committed to delivering the continued regeneration of Woolwich Town Centre."