Plans for huge 35 storey Greenwich tower block beside the River Thames revised due to height concerns

A 35 storey tower block that was planned beside the River Thames has been scaled back by two floors over fears it would impact the nearby World Heritage Site. The move comes after developer Criterion Capital was advised by the council to reduce the height of the project following feedback from local groups.

The scheme, called Enderby Place, would see 564 new homes being added in three blocks at the East Greenwich site on Telcon Way. The scheme was criticised by the authority at a planning meeting on May 21 for its height, which consisted of a 35 storey tall tower along with two 23 storey blocks.

Peter Marsden of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site claimed he was concerned on how the height of the project would affect the World Heritage Site, which reportedly generated £850 million for the borough each year. He said reducing the height of the tallest block would create a greater visual divide between the project and the planned Morden Wharf development north of the site, with towers up to 36 storeys tall.

READ MORE: Greenwich and Newham residents crying out for DLR extension to Thamesmead, says TfL

Mr Marsden said: "We consider that the height of the tallest proposed structure of 35 storeys… is likely to undermine the stepping down objective [from Morden Wharf], resulting in Enderby Place having visual prominence and potentially creating a table topping effect in views to and from the World Heritage Site when seen against other consented and existing tall buildings.”

Tim Barnes of the Greenwich Society also claimed at the meeting that the development would be visually intrusive from multiple angles. He added that he felt the nearby Morden Wharf project should not be taken as a precedent to justify the height of the scheme.

Tim Bysted, speaking on behalf of Criterion Capital, said at the meeting that Enderby Place represented an opportunity to deliver much needed housing to the borough. However, the developer agreed to rework the scheme and the revised proposal depicts the tallest tower being reduced to 33 storeys, with the neighbouring blocks being increased to 24 storeys each.

The number of homes in the proposal remains unchanged. Greenwich Council will consider the revised scheme for Enderby Place at a planning meeting on a future date.

Have a story you want to share? Email joseph.coughlan@reachplc.com.

Don't miss out on the biggest local stories. Sign up to our MySouthLondon newsletter HERE for all the latest daily news and more.