The findings of a public inquiry into controversial plans to build a 27-storey tower which would loom over Woolwich’s town centre are set to be presented to the Secretary of State in March.

It comes after a six-day long public inquiry into Meyer Homes’ proposal, which includes 804 homes, a cafe, shops and a community room, wrapped up at the end of November.

In a statement, the Planning Inspectorate confirmed that inspector Paul Griffiths, who presided over the hearings at Woolwich Town Hall, would now write up a report to be issued to the Secretary of State.

The spokesperson said the target date for submission was March 2.

“Thereafter the Secretary of State will make the final decision,” the spokesperson said.

Mr Griffith’s report will recommend whether to allow Meyer Homes’ appeal, opening the door for the 27-storey build to go ahead, or uphold Greenwich Council’s 2018 decision to reject it.

Any decision made by the planning inspector or the Secretary of State could also see costs awarded, in full or in part, if they judge that a party has behaved unreasonably resulting in unnecessary appeal expense.

It’s the latest step in the long-running saga, with the public inquiry coming after Meyer Homes appealed Greenwich Council’s decision to reject the skyscraper a year ago.

The tower and associated work comprise the latter stages of a four-phase project, the initial stages of which saw the construction and opening of a multi-storey Tesco at the site.

The first day of hearings saw the council, Meyers Homes and community groups lay out their cases on the proposal.

Speaking for Meyer Homes, Douglas Edwards QC said the district’s local plan dictated that the borough needed 5,000 new homes by 2030.

“Such levels of growth requires substantial change,” he told the hearing.

They also emphasised that council initially granted outline approval for the project in 2007, however the authority has since insisted this has lapsed.

Among the concerns of community groups are the  lack of affordable or social housing units proposed for the 27-storey skyscraper.

It was an issue emphasised by Cllr Ivis Williams at the opening day of hearings. The councillor said the borough needed three and four-bedroom homes as a “priority above all other” types of housing. 

“The offer of social and affordable housing within this is unsatisfactory, the height is unacceptable and overbearing,” she said.