A petition with over 1,500 signatures protesting plans to build a “hideous” tower in Woolwich is to be delivered to the council.

Plans to build the 27-storey tower block in the centre of Woolwich were submitted by developer Meyer Homes on September 1 last year.

Built opposite the Woolwich Tesco, which in 2014 scooped the Carbuncle Cup for bad architecture, the tower will have shops on the ground floor and 206 flats on the upper floors.

The full plans include three other buildings between nine and 16 storeys tall with 598 residential flats, for a grand total of 804 new homes.

Meyers Homes say the development will give Woolwich a new landmark and that it will “shift the centre of gravity back to the historical town centre”, but many of those opposing it disagree.

Sonia Cassius-Clay wrote: “We do not need any more hideous buildings in Woolwich. That little bit of green area is needed.”

For many people it was the relative lack of affordable social rent in the plans that was their primary issue with the tower.

Caroline Gray wrote: “We need more affordable practical housing not vile monstrosities like this.”

Chris Cooter wrote: “I believe it to be an eyesore and would create too much shadow. Good side is it may make Tesco's building look better.”

The petition will be submitted to Greenwich Council’s full council meeting tomorrow (February 28). In the council’s response they note that the issues raised will be reported to the planning board.

There is no date currently set for when the council needs to decide whether to accept the planning application.