Concerns have been raised regarding the quality of cladding proposed for the Morden Wharf development, with councillors seeking reassurance on its appearance and durability.
During a Greenwich Council Planning Board meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, members discussed amendments to the Morden Wharf development's planning permission. While the board approved revised affordable housing provisions and other design changes, the quality of the metal cladding on the Parkside Towers became a point of discussion.
Applicant representatives and architects explained the design rationale behind the cladding, highlighting the rigorous testing and approval process for materials. They stated that enormous work was done, nine pre-apps in terms of design, at least, plus workshops in between, as well as significant stakeholder engagement.
The octagonal shape of the towers was chosen for its aerodynamic benefits and to create greater separation between buildings, allowing more light penetration. The cladding is described as a combination of pale green and champagne-coloured metal, intended to reflect the site's industrial character with muted tones.
Councillors sought assurances that the cladding would be of high quality and would not resemble the awful
and low quality
metallic cladding seen on other developments. Councillor David Gardner specifically referenced the four blocks in the war and war development
and Vauxhall and so forth, there are lots of areas where there is a very poor, um, metallic cladding.
He described the metallic cladding on the war and war development as really, really awful and, and of low quality
compared to the very good brick blocks
nearby.
The board was informed that, through condition, samples of materials and one-to-one panels would be made up on site as part of the approval process for the metal cladding. This was described as another gateway for approval for the metal cladding, allowing another chance to look at the exact details.
Beyond visual appearance and durability, the architect noted that significant work from a climatic point of view
had been undertaken. The design aims to create better environments within apartments by utilizing the architecture and balconies to mitigate wind and improve operational sustainability, features not as easily achieved with brick. The architect also stated that the development would feature a unitized system, rather than a stick-on-rain screen metal system that I think most of us are more accustomed to looking at,
suggesting a higher quality of construction.
Furthermore, the council's urban designer has reviewed the design and palette, expressing satisfaction. The architect also mentioned that they would be working closely with the design officer and another individual to demonstrate one-to-one samples on site. The architect highlighted that these towers are first generation in terms of what's coming forward, in terms of the form,
implying innovative design and construction methods.
Despite these assurances, the quality and appearance of the cladding remain a point of concern for some councillors, who questioned its long-term aging and visual impact.
For more details on the planning board meeting, refer to the Public reports pack.
