Greenwich Council’s plans to build a new block of housing consisting solely of affordable apartments are set to front the authority’s planning board next week.  

Meridian Developments have submitted the proposal for 46 homes and other works, including a children’s playground, at the junction of Woolwich’s Burrage and Vincent Roads.

The proposal would see 14 one-bedroom units, 21 two-bedroom units, and 11 three-bedroom units built on what is currently a vacant brown-field site.

The proposal has received 13 objections from the public, with the summary of issues including concerns over the design’s “excessive height” and “bulky and overbearing design”.

Community group Speak Out Woolwich have also expressed opposition to the plans, raising issues such as a lack of family housing proposed for the development, as well as casting doubt over whether the rates would “actually” be affordable rents.

However, council’s report on the matter state the homes would provide valuable new affordable housing in the borough in-line with the council’s goals.

The report also notes that the site’s location near the Woolwich town centre and a short distance from Woolwich Arsenal Train and DLR station made it an “ideal location serve commuters and young professionals, who tend to commute daily and are less likely to have families”.

The council noted that the site “also provides a suitable location for young families” with Plumcroft Primary School next door.

“In addition, 18 units (39 per cent) are two-bedroom, four person, whilst not defined as family homes, these can provide a suitable home for small young families,” the report states.

Meridian Home Start, a spin-off company created by the council established to provide homes at a submarket rent level, will be tasked with the management and leasing of the site.

The proposed rent breakdown would see one-bed units leased for 80 per cent of market rent; two-bed at 65 per cent, and three-bed units at 55 per cent.

Greenwich’s planning board is set to meet on February 17.