A much-delayed cruise liner terminal - nearly twice as large as originally planned - could finally open in Greenwich after revised plans were submitted to the council.

Original 2012 plans for Enderby Wharf promised a terminal taking around 100 ships per year along with a 251-bed hotel, skills academy and 770 new homes - some of which have already been built and are nearing occupation.

But developers say legislative changes in the cruise liner industry have forced them into changing plans for the northern part of the site, including the terminal itself.

Rather than simply being a stop on the ships' journey, the terminal - 81 per cent bigger than before - new plans will see it be their start and end point for longer stays, with a larger transit area for coaches and taxis.

The hotel has also been scrapped and homes on that part of the site will now increase from 93 to 477, located in blocks rising from nine to 31 storeys high. Of these, only 75 will be affordable units, "clustered" together.

It will also include a public square surrounding the historic but currently neglected Enderby House, plus gardens with public and private areas.

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Managing director of developer Westcourt Real Estate David Margason said he hoped the site would be a "jewel in the crown" for Greenwich. He said: "The cruise industry is hugely enthusiastic about the London City Cruise Port, and we are confident that London will become a key cruise destination. 

"Longer stays will mean more employment and ship provisioning, resulting in cruise operators, visitors and crew spending more time and money in the locality – a move which is welcomed by London authorities together with business and tourist organisations." 

However, the number of new homes has already caused some alarm, coming on top of thousands of extra units being built at the nearby Alcatel Lucent site, Lovell's Wharf and mammoth new plans for the peninsula.

East Greenwich Residents Association say they have concerns about density, traffic, social housing, and the public realm.

The project had previously been plagued by delays. Originally, it was expected to open in time for the 2012 Olympics, with that date pushed back until 2013 and then delayed again until 2017 - a date the developers are now sticking to.

Councillor Matt Hartley, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Greenwich and Woolwich, said: "The cruise liner terminal is a hugely exciting prospect for Greenwich, and I hope we will see an end to the delays that have plagued the project. 

"I am concerned, however, at the low level of affordable housing in the application - barely 15 percent of the units planned.  This is far too low, and the council needs to negotiate this figure up with the developer."

To have your say, visit the Greenwich Council website planning page.