The deputy leader of Greenwich Council has spoken out over contentious plans to demolish derelict homes in Woolwich for “luxury flats”.

Cllr David Gardner has called for neighbours to object to the controversial plans submitted this week.

Four terraced houses in Sandy Hill Road would be bulldozed, along with a neighbouring garage, in place of 26 new homes.

The homes have stood empty for years, with the developers now proposing three houses, 23 flats and a shop as a replacement for the derelict site.

Speaking on his Facebook page, the deputy leader and cabinet member for public realm said: “Make our voice heard and save historic Woolwich terraces from demolition.

“Despite huge opposition at their public engagement event, the developers of 71-79 Sandy Hill Road are pushing ahead with plans to raze the slightly neglected 1850s terraces to the ground and replace them with luxury private flats.

“Please object to the unnecessary demolition and to the lack of social housing.”

Previous plans for 30 homes at the site were deemed over-development by council chiefs, leading the developers to push ahead with this scaled back proposal.

The developers say the new homes would be “in keeping with the prevailing Victorian character of the area and help to satisfy a pressing need for housing in the area”.

So far three objections have been filed against the plans, which are being considered by officers before a decision in coming months.