Plans for 559 new Crayford flats blasted as 'eyesore'

Bexley Council has received plans to build seven new tower blocks between six to eight storeys tall in Crayford, including 559 new flats.

The scheme, developed by Purelake New Home Ltd and Skillcrown Homes, will also include a new riverside walkway and childrens’ play areas.

The plans have received objections from 42 neighbouring addresses, as well as the Bexley Civic Society.

Design of the proposed site as viewed looking west from the River Walk. Credit: Alan Camp Architects

Summaries of the objections described the buildings as “unnecessarily tall” and an “eyesore from every vantage point”.

One objection said: “It will be a permanent visual scar on the skyline.”

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Another resident added: “The town is already close to failing and this development will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.”

Sir David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, said in council documents that he welcomed the plans for the site, but felt it was an “overdevelopment” of the area.

He said: “If planning permission is granted, the development would be out of character with the rest of Crayford, as no other site in the town has eight storey builds.

"This would be the largest block in the area and tower over nearby homes, particularly in Wolsley Close.

Design of the proposed site as viewed looking west from Stadium Way. (Credit: Alan Camp Architects)

"The development would also cause a significant strain on the local infrastructure, including school placements, GP services and parking.”

Council officers said in their report that the height of the proposed buildings were appropriate given the location.

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An assessment carried out on the visual impacts from the buildings found that any effect on views was balanced against the benefits from the scheme.

They said: “The scheme would present a group of buildings of a similar height rather than a single tall building.

"The buildings would be distinguished by different types of brickwork and gaps between the buildings would provide visual separation between the blocks.

"It is considered that the buildings would sit well within the context provided by existing buildings in Crayford Town Centre and would not adversely affect the skyline.”

Council documents also said the design approach hopes to add a new residential neighbourhood to the site, with any effect on traffic around Crayford being addressed by road and transport improvements.

They added: “Proposals include a pedestrian friendly riverside walk linking Crayford Meadows with facilities within the town centre and beyond.

"The second key space labelled Culvert Park serves as a multi-use play/socialising area, which will create a welcoming entrance into the development.”

The plans for the new flats in Crayford will be discussed at a planning meeting for Bexley Council on April 13.