Estate land set to be dropped from controversial sales to a private developer could have council housing built there instead, according to a new report.
Councillors are set to for a U-turn on proposals to sell plots in Kidbrooke Park Road and Quince Road to Pocket Housing, and instead explore building council houses at social rent.
Original plans to sell land at the two estates, as well as The Heights in Charlton, sparked fierce opposition from residents and some councillors.
The move came under fire from neighbours concerned about cramped conditions and engagement, and from councillors over the principle of selling public land to private developers.
Now, following a long consultation, the council is planning to retain land at the Orchard Estate and explore “whether this be suitable for council homes at social rent,” and keep land at Kidbrooke Park Close and “review whether a development on one of the two sites for council homes at social rent would mitigate against concerns”.
Greenwich Council admits the decision will “disappoint some residents” following the controversies surrounding the original proposals.
According to a new report: “The consultation shows that there is widespread support for building homes to address housing need in the borough.
“It also shows support for building different types of homes for different circumstances. Perhaps, not unexpectedly, when faced with specific proposals on local sites people are more sceptical.
“While we know the recommendations will disappoint some residents we will commit to continue working with them to ensure that disruption and negative impacts are kept to a minimum and actively seek opportunities for residents to benefit.”
The Heights in Charlton is still set to be sold off to the specialist developer, which plans 45 flats in a five-storey block, sold to Greenwich residents at a 20 per cent discount.
The council says it cannot develop at The Heights because the land is contaminated.
The money made from the sale would fund estate improvements and new council housing in the borough.
“When making a final recommendation we need to balance the views of people who will benefit from building more homes in the borough, against those who will and/or perceive they will lose out as a result of building,” the report says.
Any schemes that come forward will be subject to the usual planning process and consultations.
These recommendations will be debated at a meeting next Thursday at Woolwich Town Hall.
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