Woolwich residents are urging the Mayor to reject plans at Royal Arsenal over fears for their health and that their homes will be plunged into darkness.

The building company Berkeley Group plans to build 146 residential units at the two Grade II listed buildings at the old Royal Arsenal armaments manufacture sites.

Greenwich council accepted the plans on January 16 despite locals claiming the plans were “misleading” and demanding a comprehensive review.

The plans now need to be brought before the London Mayor’s office for final approval but local residents’ associations have banded together in a final attempt to convince the mayor to reject them proposals.

In a statement put out by local residents Matthew Herbert and Robyn Waite, they say: “We believe information in the planning proposals are misleading and are calling for a comprehensive review. We urge the mayor to call a halt to the overbuilding on the Royal Heritage Site.”

Concerns range from health issues with increased pollution, lack of space for mobility scooter users, traffic congestion, and lack of light.

The lack of light issue was enough to prompt locals to hire an independent daylight and sunlight consultant.

The consultant said that the plans “will clearly leave these rooms significantly gloomier than previously and arguably not appropriate for habitation.”

Monica, a resident of East Carriage House, said: “I carefully picked a south-facing flat, to be able to enjoy the sunshine. Now Berkeley Homes has had the Council’s approval to build a tower block so close to us that it will destroy hundreds of homes, by depriving them of light and privacy.

“The residents are very hopeful that Mayor Sadiq Khan’s sense of justice, and adherence to policies, will make him do the right thing and stop this construction”.

David, of East Carriage House, said: “Working for the emergency services in London with night and shift work is demanding and exhausting. If this proposal goes ahead I will be unable to rest and re-charge due to the building noise and pollution and other on-going issues.

“The enjoyment of my home will be removed by living within a constant shadow due to light reductions, and where I'll be living behind constantly closed curtains due to the privacy invasion - all caused by the height and proximity of the proposal.”

Bruce of Bentham House said: “I am a wheelchair user. Station way is narrow and there is barely enough room for two HGV’s to pass one another, so we will be very close to the traffic.

“A turning point is planned in the square for all these vehicles and I will have to try to navigate through these hazards at the same time as watching out for all the taxis, delivery vehicles and thousands of people entering and exiting from Crossrail.

“I worry for my safety and the safety of people more vulnerable than me.”

John Fahy, councillor in Woolwich, said: “The planning board have a difficult task in balancing the ambition of the developer against sustaining the quality of life of residents.

“Sadly on this occasion the interests of residents came second best which is a matter of regret.”

Karl Whiteman, divisional managing director at Berkeley Homes, said: “We are delighted that councillors have voted to approve our application, which is an important step towards completing the Heritage Quarter at Royal Arsenal Riverside.

“Our proposals will retain two Grade II Listed buildings and open them up to the public for the first time in 40 years, as well as provide 146 high-quality new homes, new commercial space and a public square.

“The plans will deliver vital new infrastructure for the Woolwich Crossrail station, which is due to open at Royal Arsenal Riverside in 2018, supporting access and interchange for millions of station users.

“Berkeley will also be making a £2.7 million contribution towards infrastructure and local services, including affordable housing within the borough.

“We worked closely with the Council, Historic England, Crossrail and the community to get the application right and we now look forward to continuing with the next stage in the process.”