© 2025 News On The Block. All rights reserved.
News on the Block is a trading name of Premier Property Media Ltd.
© 2025 News On The Block. All rights reserved.
News on the Block is a trading name of Premier Property Media Ltd.
Two apartment blocks in Woolwich, south-east London, have been ordered to be demolished after it was discovered that they were built in breach of planning conditions.
The high-rise blocks in the Mast Quay Phase II development were "substantially different" to the approved plans, Greenwich Council said. The council said there were "at least" 26 deviations to the plans originally approved in 2012.
The developer, Comer Homes Group, can appeal against the decision, but if the demolition order is upheld, it will have to tear down the blocks and restore the land to its former condition.
The blocks are currently home to 204 apartments, and the council said it would support existing tenants in finding alternative accommodation.
The council's cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Aidan Smith, described the blocks as a "mutant development". "We cannot let what has been delivered at Mast Quay Phase II go unchallenged," he said.
Among the deviations highlighted by the council was the failure to provide roof gardens for residents and the public, as well as children's play areas. There are also "non-accessible 'accessible' apartments" with steps to the balconies, meaning wheelchair users cannot use the outdoor space.
Comer Homes Group has said it is "surprised and extremely disappointed" by the council's decision, and that it will be appealing against the enforcement notice.
The council said this is the first time it has issued a planning enforcement notice of this scale. The decision was not taken lightly, but the council believes it is "reasonable and proportionate" in light of the seriousness of the breaches.