Eltham homes in Co-op car park branded as 'looking like a prison'

Greenwich Council has received plans to build a set of nine terraced houses on the site of a car park in Eltham.

The plans, sent by Belmont Property, would see the new three-storey houses being built in the car park for a Co-op supermarket on Footscray Road.

Council documents said the new homes would each include three double bedrooms and be designed with flat roofs and grey aluminium features.

A CGI of the new homes. Credit: Tony Fretton Architects / Belmont Property

Planning documents from Tony Fretton Architects, on behalf of Belmont Property, said a public consultation was held on the project in July this year.

The plans have received 31 objections from locals, with one resident saying the new houses look like a “prison”.

Council documents summarised several of the objections as: “The development would reduce safety, result in an increase in crime and antisocial behaviour.

"The bin store would result in an environmental nuisance and would attract vermin. How would it be ensured that residents would dispose of their waste properly?”

Planning documents said several design changes had been made to the plans since the public consultation, including improved security for the bin store and larger green areas outside.

Council officers also said in their report that they felt the bin store planned for the site would meet the needs of the new houses and the applicant had proven bin lorries would be able to access the site.

Officers said that a parking survey had found the 64-space car park currently on the site was under used and could be reduced in size for the development.

They said they felt the new homes would not result in safety concerns and would more likely reduce the possibility of antisocial behaviour in the area.

They added: “The development has been designed sympathetically, providing good quality design.

"The use of light-coloured brickwork for the walls, with render and stonework for architectural details is considered to be acceptable. The design of the openings is also considered to be appropriate. Overall, it is considered that the design approach would be acceptable for the siting of the development and the character of the area would not be harmed by the proposed development.”

The plans for the new homes behind Footscray Road will be discussed at a planning meeting for Greenwich Council on November 28.