Council calls for rethink over Enderby Wharf plans

Royal borough of Greenwich council is calling for a rethink of plans to develop a cruise ship terminal along the River Thames to reduce the site’s impact on air pollution.

Up to 55 cruise liners a year are expected to dock at the planned Enderby Wharf terminal, which campaigners claim will result in increased nitrogen dioxide emissions from ships using on-board generators due to a lack of shoreside power.

Up to 55 cruise ships are expected to dock at the terminal each year from 2017

The application, which also includes a residential development, is being pursued by Enderby Wharf LLP, Enderby Riverside Ltd and Enderby Isle Ltd, which are linked to the property developer Barratt Developments PLC.

Greenwich granted planning consent for the site in 2015, despite the concerns over the impact of the scheme on air pollution. In a statement issued this week, the council has called for reconsideration of the plans, in light of concerns raised by the local community.

The council says it has invited the site developers to hold talks about making the cruise liner ‘greener’ or come up with an alternative scheme, which would also include a greater level of affordable housing.

Councillor Danny Thorpe, Leader of Royal Greenwich, said: “I’m hugely disappointed that no sensible proposal has yet been received from the site owner. It is vital that the borough secures a well-balanced proposal that includes a sufficient amount of genuinely affordable housing alongside employment opportunities for local people.

“We are working hard to improve air quality across the borough and recognise that it is a significant concern for all residents. I want to assure residents that we are doing all we can to seek a resolution to this issue. I’m publicly calling on the developer to urgently come back to the table with sensible and meaningful proposals that address the concerns of the community, as well as ensuring any new scheme complies with our planning policies.

“We are aware that the site is up for sale and given this, we think it is an excellent opportunity for the developer to pause and reflect.”

Planning

The council cannot revoke the planning consent granted, it said, but  it will not consider varying or amending any of the existing Section 106 obligations if asked by the owner or any subsequent owner unless there is ‘a strong planning case for the changes proposed’, it claimed.

Greenwich’s position has been backed by the Mayor of London, who has also expressed concerns over the impact of air pollution from the site.

Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues, said: “The Mayor and I have been clear that we are extremely concerned about the potential impact on air pollution and emissions of the Enderby Wharf development.

“The Mayor is fully supportive of Greenwich council’s strong stance in seeking a solution which includes additional measures to cut emissions and protect public health. Over the last 18 months I have met all the stakeholders — including the council, the developer and the cruise terminal operator — and we will continue to support them in their negotiations.”

Barratt Developments has been contacted for comment.