Six new homes have been approved for development on land to the rear of 39-50 Vicarage Park, Plumstead, despite numerous objections from residents. The Local Planning Committee granted permission for the scheme on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, following a site visit.
The site, described as 'overgrown and devoid of any built form aside from the stables, shed-like buildings and fencing. These are in poor condition,' was previously used for stables and an exercise yard for horses. More recently, it has been subject to antisocial behaviour and fly-tipping.
Objections raised by local residents included concerns about flood risk, construction impacts, accessibility for wheelchair users, loss of trees, harm to the Plumstead Common Conservation Area, overdevelopment, loss of wildlife habitat, and fire safety. Concerns were also raised about subsidence and the adequacy of ecological and flood risk surveys.
Regarding flood risk, council officers stated that the site is not within a designated flood risk area, and therefore a specific flood risk assessment was not required. An ecological survey found no evidence of protected species and assessed bat activity as low. While a 65.1% net loss of biodiversity was noted, the applicant is required to purchase government credits to achieve the mandatory 10% net gain elsewhere. The council's tree officer deemed the removal of two low-quality trees acceptable, with replacement trees to be provided by condition. The Heritage Officer raised no objections.
Accessibility for wheelchair users was addressed by the proposal of a platform lift at three points where steps are constructed, along with a bike channel for ease of access for cyclists. The scheme was reviewed by the council's housing occupational therapist officer and deemed compliant with part M4(2) of the building regulations. Conditions have been imposed requiring full details of how the access lane will be made safe and secure, including its construction and lighting, to ensure suitable access for future occupiers. Additionally, all dwellings are required to be constructed to achieve Building Regulation requirement M4(2) 'accessible and adaptable dwellings'.
The applicant's agent, Max Plotnick, supported by David Gouldstone, argued that the scheme would transform the derelict site into much-needed family homes. Officers noted that while there were some policy non-compliances, these were outweighed by the benefits of the scheme. This is particularly relevant given the council's housing land supply situation, which currently stands at 3.02 years. This falls short of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requirement for a five-year supply, triggering a 'tilted balance' in favour of sustainable development. The proposal is expected to provide six new homes, described as 'family homes, of a high-quality design, and provides excellent accommodation.'
Councillors Pat Greenwell, Jummy Dawodu, and Patrick Ives voted against the proposal, citing concerns about amenity, disability access, and the adequacy of environmental surveys. Councillor George Edgar abstained.
The application was ultimately approved with five votes in favour, three against, and one abstention, subject to additional conditions regarding sustainable urban drainage systems and stabilization details. The approval aims to address the council's housing land supply targets by providing much-needed family-sized accommodation on a site that has been derelict for years.
For more information, refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack for the Local Planning Committee meeting on July 14, 2026.
