Ellie Ames 28 September 2023

Council orders demolition of ‘mutant’ apartment blocks

Council orders demolition of ‘mutant’ apartment blocks image
Image: royalgreenwich.gov.uk

In an unprecedented move, Greenwich council has ordered the demolition of two residential towers because of ‘significant deviations’ from planning permission.

During an investigation, the London borough discovered 26 deviations from permission granted in 2012 for the two apartment blocks in the Mast Quay Phase II development.

Deviations included increased footprint size; a lack of roof gardens – meant to be open to the public – and children’s play areas; and non-accessible ‘accessible’ apartments, which have steps to balconies.

The ‘mutant development’ is a ‘blight on the landscape’, Greenwich’s cabinet member for regeneration Cllr Aidan Smith said.

He added: ‘we cannot let what has been delivered at Mast Quay Phase II go unchallenged.’

The planning authority issued an enforcement notice to Comer Homes Group on Monday, and said it was the first time it had ordered the demolition of a development on this scale.

Council leader Anthony Okereke said: ‘This decision is not one that the Royal Borough of Greenwich has taken lightly, but I believe it is reasonable and proportionate to the scale and seriousness of the situation.’

The Comer Homes Group said it was ‘surprised and extremely disappointed’ by the decision.

The luxury homes developer said: ‘We are particularly surprised to see the accompanying public statements which are inaccurate and misrepresent the position and our actions.

‘We will be appealing against the enforcement notice and look forward to robustly correcting the inaccuracies and addressing the council’s concerns.’

The council said it had contacted tenants of the apartment blocks to provide support and advice.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner