Plans have been unveiled for a housing development that could reshape the landscape near the historic Woolwich Foot Tunnel. Populo Living Ltd, an affordable housing provider under the ownership of Newham Council, has submitted a planning application for the construction of 350 new homes directly opposite the more than century-old Woolwich Foot Tunnel in North Woolwich.
This area also hosts North Woolwich Station, a Grade II-listed former national rail building that ceased operations in 2006 with the introduction of the nearby King George V Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station. The proposed development comprises five blocks ranging from eight to 13 storeys, offering one-bed, two-bed, and three-bed flats. Out of the 350 homes, Populo Living plans to allocate 36% (127 flats) for ‘genuinely affordable’ housing, prioritizing individuals on the council’s waiting list. Of these, 85 flats would be designated as social housing, while 42 flats would be rented out at a discounted rate under London Living Rent. The remaining 223 flats would be private residences.
According to planning documents, the ground floor space is earmarked for a café, and a staff room is slated for bus drivers and other Transport for London (TfL) personnel, as a portion of the development occupies TfL-owned public land. Council officers clarified in planning documents that the staff room is part of the public realm improvements, facilitating bus drivers to utilize breakout space and take breaks without requiring separate facilities in the public realm. The development’s design envisions a car-free environment, with 11 designated blue badge parking spaces catering to disabled individuals. Council officers are recommending the strategic development committee to endorse the plans at an upcoming meeting on Monday, December 18. They underscored the proposal’s potential contribution to augmenting the borough’s housing stock, including affordable housing, while deeming the overall scale and massing suitable for the area. The proposal also promises substantial enhancements to the public realm and nearby heritage assets.
