Greenwich Council's Planning Board has granted full planning permission for the erection of two modern industrial warehouse buildings at 71-73 Nathan Way, Thamesmead.
The decision, made on Thursday, 24 September 2026, allows for the construction of the buildings, comprising six flexible units for use within Use Classes E(g)(iii) (Light Industrial), B2 (General Industrial), and B8 (Storage and Distribution), along with ancillary offices.
The development will replace existing, 'poor quality' structures that were 'well beyond the end of their economic life' and 'unsuitable for today's letting market'. Historically, these buildings were primarily occupied by various commercial tenants, often in the motor trade. The site was described as being characterized by 'vacant floor space, damaged and unlicensed cars parked on footways, broken glass and litter'.
These new, high-quality industrial buildings are expected to create between 115 to 205 direct full-time operational jobs on-site, in addition to 75 jobs during construction. The applicant's representative, Tim Rainbird, a Senior Director of Planning Consultancy Quad, highlighted the need for site regeneration and the applicant's commitment to sustainable development.
Measures for sustainable development and environmental improvements include targeting BREEAM excellence, an all-electric strategy with high-performance fabric, air source heat pumps, and PV panels. The scheme also achieves a biodiversity net gain of 182%, significantly exceeding the 10% requirement. Flood risk has been addressed through a robust assessment, and sustainable drainage features such as permeable paving, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting will be incorporated. The use of reclaimed brickwork is planned where practicable, and public realm improvements are set for Nathan Way, Boughton Road, and The Ridgeway. The project aims for a net negative reduction in carbon emissions, negating the need for a Section 106 carbon offset contribution, and targets mains water consumption of 105 litres or less per head per day.
During the meeting, concerns were raised by Transport for London regarding parking provision, advocating for a car-free scheme. However, officers deemed the proposed parking quantum proportionate given the site's 24-hour operational requirements and proximity to other industrial schemes. Questions were also raised about trees and setbacks from Nathan Way, with officers explaining that accommodating a larger green buffer would impact on-site manoeuvring and servicing.
The applicant intends to 'demolish the existing buildings and commence construction as soon as possible'. The draft program indicates that demolition and site clearance will begin before the end of the year, with construction starting in the spring of next year. Assuming a 12-month construction period, units are expected to be available for occupation in spring 2028.
The Planning Board unanimously voted to grant planning permission, subject to conditions detailed in Appendix 2 of the Public reports pack and the prior completion of a Section 106 agreement. This agreement will contain planning obligations summarised in the heads of terms set out in Section 22.0 of the report. The Assistant Director (Planning & Building Control) was authorised to make minor changes to the wording of conditions and finalise the Section 106 agreement. If the agreement is not completed within three months, the Assistant Director is authorised to consider refusing the application.