The controversial Greenwich cruise liner terminal has been approved despite massive opposition.
Billed as London’s first passenger cruise terminal, Greenwich Council’s planning board gave plans the green light on Tuesday (July 21).
The revised Enderby Wharf project includes 477 homes, a skills academy, restaurants and retail units.
Only 75 of the homes, which will sit in housing blocks ranging from 23 to 32 storeys, will be affordable units.
Consent was originally granted when plans were submitted in 2012, which previously included a hotel and fewer homes.
The scheme has been plagued by years of delays.
Under revised plans, which are described by leader of Greenwich Council Coun Denise Hyland as ‘better for local residents’, the terminal is to be 81 per cent bigger.
The development will see now see huge ships moored in Thames, sparking fears of increased pollution to the surrounding areas.
According to the developer generators on medium sized cruise ships consume around 700 litres of diesel fuel per hour - equivalent to 400 idle lorries.
Ian Blore, from the East Greenwich Residents' Association, said: “We were astonished at the process.
“People have big concerns about pollution in this area which is very high already and this will exacerbate this. We don’t know what the long term consequences might be.
“The council should have taken air quality more seriously.
“Most of us are in favour of the cruise liner terminal itself, but this is a big change from the 2012 plans. Previously it was thought people would be taken to their hotels but now they will be stuck on board these floating hotels with diesel engines.”
The Greenwich Society and Tower Hamlets council also raised concerns about pollution.
More than 100 letters of objection were received by the council, with just three in support.
But council officers recommended the application for approval, citing improved transport and employment opportunities.
Coun Hyland added: “We want to provide every assurance that we are committed to improving air quality in the borough.
“Alongside this is a clear strategy to keep regenerating the borough, growing the local economy, building new homes and creating new jobs for residents. Developments like this will help achieve this aim - which ultimately benefits local people."
The application will now go to City Hall.
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