The developer behind a controversial plan for 771 homes in Charlton has said it was “disappointing” its scheme was compared to Stalingrad ahead of talks with the London Mayor over the proposals.

Rockwell Homes’ vision hit the headlines earlier this year after campaigners petitioned the council to stick to its riverside masterplan and throw out the proposals.

The developer plans to build 771 homes in 11 tower blocks at the end of Anchor & Hope Lane, on land earmarked by the council and the Mayor for major growth.

Rejected

Greenwich councillors unanimously threw out Rockwell’s proposals, claiming they ignored aspects of the authority’s planning guidelines by being too high and too dense.

The decision was cheered by objectors, who delivered a 600 strong petition against the proposals.

Sitting by the Thames on the edge of the site, Rockwell’s head of planning, Jonathan Manns, told this newspaper the company agreed to lose profit to increase the number of affordable homes involved soon before the committee meeting

“Sticking dogmatically to to the riverside masterplan wouldn’t allow for as many affordable homes and that is ultimately worse for London, that is our view”, Mr Manns said.

“Really, the amount of affordable homes was increased by eroding our developer’s profit. We have been involved in the area for a long time, and we took a strategic view that we want to get on and build it.

“If the public benefit is more affordable housing, we’d rather get on and do it.”

Stalingrad

Rejecting the plans, the chairman of the planning board, Cllr Sarah Merill, compared Rockwell’s plans to Stalingrad.

“That disappointed us. We’ve used architects that are equally passionate as we are for design. Our brief has been to create a great place that reflects the feel of modern London. It was disappointing that the chair didn’t agree.”

The scheme is split into two plots, one primarily residential that steps up in height as it moves closer to the river and a second that is more employment-based.

Neighbours living in nearby Derrick and Atlas Gardens say new buildings would block their natural light, and impact their sense of community.

Campaigners objected to the height, density, and affordability of the scheme, fearing it would set a precedent for future developments.

“It’s not like we have been operating in an ivory tower, we understand their concerns. People have different views on how the scheme should look, but we continue to respond to concerns,” said Mr Manns.

Community

“We are trying to knit this place into the community. We are not trying to turn our backs on anybody, but knit it into a sense of modern London.

“We felt we had committed ourselves to this and found a scheme that whilst not liked by everybody has struck a balance, and offered public benefits for Charlton in terms of supporting small businesses and affordable homes.

“What it means to be part of a community will change but that’s not to say existing residents won’t be part of that, it will evolve.

“In response to residents in Derrick and Atlas Gardens we’ve stepped down to be more responsive to residents living here, but the height has to go somewhere.

“There’s a policy aspiration for as much affordable housing as possible, but if we stick dogmatically to the masterplan we could only provide eight per cent affordable homes.

“It’s about squeezing profits and cutting costs, but ultimately it is about building more. The extra height and the extra development allows us to build more affordable housing.”

Mayor 

The scheme has been called in by Sadiq Khan, meaning the planning process starts over again and he will ultimately rule on the proposals.

No changes have been made to the proposals yet, but talks are set to start with the Mayor later this year with a decision expected in spring.

Mr Manns said: “The Mayor of London has identified this as an opportunity area and that means approving planning applications. That process has been drawn out now.”