A controversial plan for 800 homes in Woolwich will be a landmark decision for the town, a residents’ group has warned.

Plans submitted by Meyer Homes would see just over 800 homes built in the centre of the town, spread across three buildings featuring a 27-storey centrepiece towering over General Gordon Square.

The developer says it has listened to calls for affordable housing, with Greenwich as a whole having a housing waiting list of 17,000.

The application – which was delayed at the last minute earlier this year – has been recommended for rejection by council officers ahead of Wednesday’s meeting.

Speak Out Woolwich, a residents’ pressure group, has a petition backed by more than 1,500 people claiming the towers are built for profit, not people.

John Edwards, the group’s spokesman, said the proposal has caused a lot of anger in the community.

“It’s simply not appropriate, it is 27 storeys in a town centre location completely overshadowing the General Gordon Square that is aimed at investors”, Mr Edwards said, “There’s no socially rented housing. There’s nothing going for this scheme.

“If this was approved it would make the community even more angry and the council would have to hold themselves accountable. It wouldn’t just go away.”

Woolwich has been earmarked for major developments including the Creative District and the redevelopment of Spray Street as it prepares for the arrival of Crossrail next year.

Speak Out says the town should be protected from over-development and projects with little social housing.

The 27-storey tower features no socially rented or affordable housing – a move the group describes as “putting home ownership out of the reach of local people, particularly young people.”

Mr Edwards said: “I think this will will be a landmark decision. There are issues about the regeneration of Woolwich – the town centre’s heritage needs to be protected and not a handed over to the developers.”

A spokesman for Meyer Homes said the group has listened to calls for more affordable housing since the proposals were first submitted in 2017.

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He said: “During this time there has been much comment and Meyer Homes have been listening and amending the application to respond to the overwhelming call for more affordable housing.

“Meyer Homes are now offering 40 per cent affordable housing with Grant support from the Greater London Authority.

“Alongside the affordable housing, affordable workspace is being provided at a significant discount to market rent to support new and local businesses.”

The developer said a new public realm, a café, retail, a community room are being provided to” help complement and complete” the development.

“This application will deliver more affordable homes than originally consented in 2011, provide numerous job opportunities and economic benefit for the town centre.

“At a time when the focus for the last decade has been development on the other side of Plumstead Road, these proposals will help retain and grow opportunities in the town centre.”

Speak Out are planning a mass lobby outside Woolwich Town Hall ahead of Wednesday’s meeting at 6pm.