Planning Application submitted for former Magistrates Court

A planning application has now been submitted by the owners, London Hotel Group of the former Magistrates Court on Blackheath Road. The proposal seems to be inline with the latest set of public exhibitions that were carried out in September last year, retention and refurbishment of the Magistrates Court and two former School Buildings with the development of 4 towers to the rear ranging in height from 4 storeys to 9 storeys (including two floors of proposed basements) to be linked with open and glazed courtyards.
The proposal provides for another 293 hotel rooms to the area, along with restaurants and bars – two taxi drop-off bays fronting Blackheath Road, with 14 car parking spaces and 26 bike spaces within the two subterranean basement areas accessed from Greenwich High Road. Concerns in September with the number of hotel rooms and the number of coaches and coach parking that was part of the September 2018 consultation seem to have been taken on board – now the application states that “the model of the hotel operator is such that they rarely attract coach party bookings” however, although no formal coach parking is to be provided, the proposal includes the ability for coaches to access the site from Greenwich High Road to turn around within the site to drop-off / pick-up guests. Although this was a similar stance that initial proposal for the neighbouring hotel on Catherine Grove made and they struggle to survive without regular coach parties filling their rooms.

As you can see from the above computer generated images, the proposed elevations on Greenwich High Road are taller than neighbouring properties (5 and 6 Storeys at ground level) and likely to be imposing from ground level. The main massing is within the inner area with the adjacent tower being a further two storeys taller. The proposed massing drops down

further in the two towers closer to Catherine Grove – whether or not this is enough to not reduce the impact of daylight and privacy to those in neighbouring Catherine and Burgos Grove’s is a concern. The design and access statements are also quite silent on the ground work required to create the additional two basement levels.
The full application can be found on the Council’s Planning Portal https://planning.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/online-applications/ using the reference 19/1367/F. There are over 80 documents including statements and drawings and the public online consultation is open until 22nd May 2019. This is significant development for the Triangle and all residents are urged to make comment.
If you would like copies of the Design and Access Statements or more information please get in touch on ATA.planningteam@gmail.com.

Triangle Support Network

Judy and Rachael, who both live on Egerton Drive, are interested in offering support to anyone in the Triangle who is perhaps feeling isolated, lonely, or struggling to get out and about. They would love to hear from you if you think someone you know might fit this bill. Or indeed you yourself might like to get to know your neighbours better and perhaps have more people you could rely on for support when you need it.
At this early stage, we are first trying to establish whether there would be a demand for a 'Triangle support network' and if so, what people's needs are. Then we will investigate how those needs might be met.
Please get in touch with Judy (judy@delap.plus.com ) or Rachael ( rachaelharris@fastmail.fm ) in the strictest confidence.

Burglars return for Easter

Police have informed us that burglars are again operating in the area. They are trying to gain entry through front doors. Please make sure your front door is double locked/bolted and do not just rely on a single key lock.

Reminder, Safer Neighbourhoods Meeting this Saturday

Just a reminder that there will be a police drop-in taking place this Saturday, 13th April at Jubilee Hall. Please come by anytime between 3pm and 4pm to discuss any concerns you may have.

Thames Tideway Tunnel update

Proposals by the Thames Tideway Tunnel contractors to make Greenwich South Street and the area around Greenwich Station a major part of the route for the lorries needed to take away the spoil from the next stage of their Super Sewer digging have been rejected by Greenwich Planning Committee.

The ATA and many worried residents attended a special Planning meeting on 28th March to voice their worries about health and safety and environmental impact. The ATA was one of a number of objectors in attendance. Planning Committee members, including West Ward Councillors Mehboob Khan and Aidan Smith, voted unanimously to reject the TTT proposal. TTT were asked instead to return to their original route in and out of the Triangle by the shorter section of Greenwich High Road between the A2 and Norman Road. Any new proposals will need to be approved. 

The ATA continues to press for improvements to pedestrian and cycle safety along this section of the suggested route. The ATA's Mick Delap is also keen to talk with those who live and work on the affected section of Greenwich High Road so please do feel free to get in touch on the following Email ATA.planningteam@gmail.com