Plans for 392 new homes on former gasholder site in Belvedere

Bexley Council has received plans to build 392 homes on Yarnton Way in Belvedere.

The proposal, sent by Bellway and Southern Gas Network (SGN), would involve a series of terraced houses and 12 blocks of flats up to five storeys-tall.

Of the homes proposed in the scheme, 10 per cent would be ‘affordable’.

The Belvedere gasholders as seen before one of the structures was knocked down (Credit: Stockwool / Bellway / SGN)

The site would also include several park spaces including a ‘tiny forest’ and play space for young children, as well as space for shops and a gym for residents.

The site historically included two large gasholders, one of which still remains standing.

Planning documents from Stockwool, on behalf of Bellway and SGN, said the site has become ‘redundant’ in recent times and the remaining gasholder would be removed if approval was granted.

A CGI of the proposed scheme as seen west from Yarnton Way (Credit: Stockwool / Bellway / SGN)

The plans said: “The historic gas works made poor use of the land. Largely unoccupied and inward looking, the site’s closed nature limits connectivity between Belvedere and the land to the west, and is an attractor for anti-social behaviour.

A CGI of the proposed scheme as seen west from Maida Road (Credit: Stockwool / Bellway / SGN)

"The redevelopment will transform a neglected and under-used land parcel – opening it up for public use, delivering much needed housing and creating a vibrant new community.”

Planning documents said public consultations were held for the scheme, with feedback from the council and Greater London Authority also being used to influence the final design of the project.

Discussions on the plans date back to 2020, as Bexley Council previously outlined the potential for up to 465 homes on the site in its Local Plan. The developers settled on approximately 400 homes for the current application given the amenities and open space included in the scheme.

The plans said: “Working closely with Bexley’s Planning Department over several years – and specifically over the last six months as the redesigned proposals emerged, the design team have sought to develop a scheme that will enhance the character of the area and benefit both new and long-term residents of Belvedere.”