Plans to build two high-rise student tower blocks by Deptford Creek have been refused on appeal eight months after their initial rejection.
The Planning Inspectorate chose to uphold Greenwich Council’s refusal on the basis that the 17 and 13-storey towers would negatively impact views from Greenwich Park and Maritime Greenwich.
Greenwich Council’s Planning Board refused the plans to demolish three low-rise residential buildings in Greenwich Quay by Clarence Road and build 590 purpose-built student accommodation units in two tower blocks in their place, in June 2025.
Their main concern was the impact the tall towers would have on important Greenwich views, with Cllr David Gardner saying at the time: “I am concerned about the impact on the views from the National Maritime Museum, One Tree Hill and Lover’s Walk, and I think those views are really important. They are part of what makes Greenwich.”
The plans were put forward by luxury student accommodation business YourTRIBE and development and investment company Redington Capital who appealed the refusal decision to the Planning Inspectorate.
When considering the appeal, the inspector considered views from several nearby heritage assets, such as the Queen’s House at the National Maritime Museum, the Cutty Sark and the Church of St Alfege in Greenwich town centre. They ruled that some of the heritage assets—such as the iconic 19th Century ship and the nearby Grade I listed church—would be preserved.
However, they also ruled that the towers would harm the significance of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich.
The planning inspector did not believe this harm would be outweighed by the public benefit of 590 extra residential units in the borough, 207 of which would be affordable.
The inspector said: “The collective very positive weight of public benefits associated with the appeal scheme carry significant weight in its favour. However, heritage assets are an irreplaceable resource and should be conserved in a manner appropriate to their significance.”
