AMENDED plans for a multi- million pound riverfront housing scheme have been welcomed by residents.

London and Regional Properties (LRP) has submitted its third planning application for the regeneration of the Lovell's, Granite, Badcock's and Pipers wharves in Greenwich.

The original proposal in November 2004 included two 36-storey towers rising from the edge of the 12-acre site towards a new central square.

But after wide public consultation, a revised planning application was submitted to Greenwich Council in August last year.

Residents had expressed concerns over the expected high density of homes on the site.

In the revised application LRP omitted the towers and proposed a uniform height across the apartment blocks.

Then on July 17, LRP, made further changes to its application after further consultations with residents and groups such as the Greenwich Society.

These include the creation of two lantern gardens.

The number of apartments has been reduced from 754 to 667 and 244 of these will be affordable homes.

There will also be a space for the Greenwich-based Curlew Rowing Club.

Materials used for the buildings will tie in to the site's history and include granite, lead and timber.

It is believed the application will be considered by Greenwich Council's planning board later this year and if approved the development will be built by 2011.

Greenwich Society spokesman Ray Smith said: "We are pleased the third planning application has responded to public opinion.

"The blocks have been scaled down significantly and the architecture is much improved.

"The nature and finish of the buildings were a bit monolithic but now the apartment blocks look far more attractive."

LRP director Geoff Springer said: "Our new proposals reflect the discussions we have had with residents, businesses, the Greenwich Society and other groups.

"We are proud to be associated with this scheme, which will regenerate the wharves while also complementing the existing surroundings."