sign in sign up
<<
Home , Abbey Wood, Bexley, Greenwich Peninsula, Thamesmead, Woolwich

Thamesmead and OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK DRAFT FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION DEC 2019 & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 3

Copyright Acknowledgements Greater Authority Special thanks to officers at the Royal Dec 2019 Borough of , London Borough of , the Authority, , strategic partners, Published by local residents and businesses for their continuing contribution and commitment City Hall to the preparation of this draft The Queen’s Walk framework. More London London SE1 2AA www.london.gov.uk enquiries 020 7983 4100

Maps contain OS data © Crown Copyright and database right (2019)

Photo credit Cover page and chapter divider photos by Paul Upward Photography

All other photos by GLA and TfL unless stated otherwise THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 3

CONTENTS

Foreword 5 Aims of this Consultation Draft OAPF 7 Executive summary 8 - 13

1 INTRODUCTION 15 1.1 How does this OAPF shape development? 16 1.2 Engagement and consultation 18 1.3 Strategic context 28 1.4 Baseline Analysis 33

2 VISION, PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES 51 2.1 A 20-year vision 52 2.2 Areas of change 56 2.3 OAPF objectives 58

3 UNLOCKING GOOD GROWTH WITH TRANSPORT 65 3.1 Transport and Good Growth 66 3.2 What is the scope for growth in this OA? 68 3.3 A good transport experience 74 3.4 Scenarios in detail 79

4 SPATIAL STRATEGIES 85 4.1 Town Centres, Local businesses and Employment 86 4.2 Social and Community Infrastructure 103 4.3 Environment, Energy and Utilities 117

5 PLACES 137 5.1 Spatial Framework 138 5.2 West Thamesmead and 149 5.3 Thamesmead Town Centre and Waterfront 156 5.4 North Thamesmead and the Moorings 164 5.5 Abbey Wood 172 5.6 East Thamesmead and Veridion Park 180

6 DELIVERY AND COORDINATION 189 6.1 What happens next? 190 6.2 Establishing a delivery plan 192

Appendix and Glossary THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 5 THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 5

Mayor’s Foreword partner, Lendlease, have ambitious plans for more. The opening of the Elizabeth line with shorten journey times into – 11 minutes to , 25 minutes to . This will bring significant additional economic stimulus to the area. However, the north and west of the areas remains poorly connected with the absence of river crossing. I have made a commitment to investigate the potential of extending the DLR to Thamesmead, via . Work through this Opportunity Area Planning Framework shows that over 15,000 new homes and 8,000 new jobs could be delivered if the DLR was extended. Sadiq Khan The prospect of further rapid change I am proud to be Mayor of a city that means we must ensure local people is growing. London is a beacon of have a meaningful say in the future of progress, tolerance and diversity. Our the area. I want to encourage as many city is a melting pot of different faiths, of you as possible to respond to this ethnicities and nationalities. More than consultation, and get involved in the 200 languages are spoken here. Our associated events. This OAPF promotes city is also a magnet for talent. This Good Growth, growth that is inclusive extraordinary diversity, entrepreneurial so that it benefits all Londoners. spirit and cosmopolitan culture is what Managing this growth requires a plan, to sets our great city apart. Our rapidly manage the impact of growth, establish expanding city plays a leading role as a framework for future delivery, and a world capital in finance, research and promote the use of Green Infrastructure innovation, tourism, culture and the arts. and water management. I am pleased that this OAPF has been the result Thamesmead and Abbey Wood is now of close working with LB Bexley and home to over 45,000 people. This is RB Greenwich. I also look forward to a unique and fascinating area that is working with Peabody as they work up incredibly diverse. We are seeing the first their plans for Thamesmead and Abbey fruits of the investment that Peabody Wood. is putting in place - Peabody and their THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 7

London Borough of Newham

London Borough Royal Borough of Bexley of Greenwich

Belvedere station Abbey Wood station Plumstead station

FIG 1.1 The Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Opportunity Area extends across two boroughs - the and Royal Borough of Greenwich. THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 7

Aims of this Consultation Draft OAPF

The Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Early engagement Opportunity Area Planning Framework summer - autumn 2019 (OAPF) is being prepared as a long-term planning framework to support and guide emerging development in the Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Opportunity Area (fig 1.1). Public consultation early 2020 This OAPF is being prepared jointly between the Royal Borough of Greenwich (RBG), London Borough of Bexley (LBB), Greater London Authority (GLA) and Transport for OAPF adoption London (TfL) to guide development as a summer 2020 Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) to the up until 2041. FIG 1.2 Indicative OAPF timeline Preparing this framework jointly with key stakeholders and communities helps to ensure that strategic and local issues in the Thamesmead and Abbey Wood OA are addressed in a way that is coordinated and balanced with local aspirations. How to give your views During the summer of 2019, early engagement was undertaken with local Your input is important and we communities and key stakeholders to want to hear your comments on understand the key priorities and challenges the Thamesmead and Abbey Wood in the Thamesmead and Abbey Wood OA. Consultation Draft OAPF. Learnings from this have been summarised in Part 1.2 Engagement and Consultation. This document is for public consultation from 17 December 2019 It is important to ensure development is to 10 March 2020. planned in a way that is sustainable and provides opportunities for all Londoners. Details on how to respond to this Feedback gathered during this public consultation are available on page 19 consultation stage will inform the of this document and at: preparation of the final OAPF set to be www.london.gov.uk/thamesmead adopted in summer 2020. THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 9

Executive summary

Thamesmead and Abbey Wood OA Content of this OAPF

The Thamesmead and Abbey Wood This OAPF has been prepared to ensure Opportunity Area (OA) is one of the largest that future investment and growth in the regeneration areas in London. It stretches Thamesmead and Abbey Wood OA is across the Royal Borough of Greenwich planned for on the basis of its potential to and the London Borough of Bexley, improve the health and quality of life for extending to Plumstead town centre to both existing and new residents in the area. the west, and towards Belvedere to the east. Thamesmead and Abbey Wood is The OAPF allows the GLA and TfL to home to almost 40,000 people, with a high explore a number of transport schemes proportion of families. with the potential to unlock development opportunities and provide high quality Over the years, the area has faced public transport connections, along with considerable challenges as a consequence walking and cycling improvements that of physical obstacles created by over- would encourage active and sustainable engineered highways, railway lines and the means of travel. elevated , geographical isolation, lack of local shops and services, flood risk, This document sets out two transport and aging housing stock, extended periods growth scenarios in Part 3 Unlocking Good of underinvestment and the absence of Growth with Transport. These scenarios a consistent strategic vision. These have consider different levels of change over negatively affected the quality of life of the next 20 years: intermediate growth local communities and the perception of with a bus transit, and the option for higher Thamesmead and Abbey Wood as a place growth with bus transit and an extension to live, work and invest in. to the (DLR). Alongside this, the OAPF has reviewed Today, the area has the potential to provide the social, community and environmental 15,500 new homes. This level of growth infrastructure requirements that are needed offers lots of opportunities for improved to support this growth in Part 4 Spatial transport connections, infrastructure Strategies. initiatives, and new local business and housing initiatives that tackle inequalities Ideas for the future of individual places that arise from where people live and how within the Thamesmead and Abbey Wood land is used, as well as the environmental, OA are contained in Part 5 Places. These economic and social barriers that affect visions for the future are set within a high- the lives of people in the area. These level Spatial Framework, and build on our opportunities are considered in Part 2 baseline analysis, public engagement, and Vision, Principles and Objectives. growth scenarios to show how strategic THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 9

opportunities for new homes, jobs and Delivering ‘Good Growth’ infrastructure could combine at a local The emerging London Plan sets out scale that embody Good Growth, and which a vision for ‘Good Growth’ across all people choose to live and work in. Opportunity Areas. This means planning for growth in a way that improves the Part 6 Delivery and Coordination sets health and quality of life for all Londoners, out how the strategic vision for the reduces inequalities and makes the city a Thamesmead and Abbey Wood OA better place to live, work and visit. The six contained within this OAPF could be Good Growth objectives are: delivered. This would involve a variety of • Building strong and inclusive communities projects and initiatives in the short, medium, and long term. • Making the best use of land • Creating a healthy city Engagement with local communities • Delivering the homes Londoners need has informed this consultation draft • Growing a good economy OAPF. Details of the public engagement • Increasing efficiency and resilience programme, and the feedback received, can be found in Part 1.2 Engagement and Consultation. A review of the feedback received has highlighted a number of priority issues and themes, which have been informed all parts of the document.

Key themes have included most people prioritising the delivery of more services, jobs and better connectivity in the OA. There were also concerns with affordability of homes, poor public realm and a lack of amenities. Residents appreciate the peacefulness of the area, its green spaces and openness. THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 11

Executive summary

Vision for the Thamesmead & Abbey OAPF Objectives Wood Opportunity Area • Support the delivery of 15,500 new and By 2041, Thamesmead and Abbey affordable homes and 8,000 jobs, and Wood will have realised its potential ensure the area remains a mixed and as a place for mixed and inclusive inclusive place communities to thrive. • Improve connectivity and access to opportunities within the OA and Thamesmead and Abbey Wood will to areas of significant employment offer the best of both city and nature, growth, such as the Central Activities with quick and easy access to a new Zone (CAZ) and the rest of London town centre, neighbouring centres, • Overcome obstacles and promote safe, and the rest of London through new accessible routes for active travel and improved local connections • Protect green spaces and water ways, and a good quality public transport and make it easier for people to enter, system. Thamesmead and Abbey use, and travel through them Wood’s green spaces and waterways • Ensure social and community will be celebrated and there will an infrastructure is planned to meet the abundance of green space on every needs of existing and future residents doorstep. and businesses. • Create vibrant, well-connected neighbourhood and town centres that support local business, commercial activity, and encourage local employment. • Support existing communities and strengthen social integration and local character • Plan for efficient use of employment land and safeguard protected industrial capacity to ensure the OA continues to play an important economic and industrial role in London • Celebrate and protect existing cultural and heritage destinations while encouraging new offers • Build strong and lasting partnerships to ensure a coordinated approach to development and delivery THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 11

Beckton

Thamesmead Town Centre Pumping Station

Moorings To Belvedere

Junction improvements

Southmere Lake Bridge

Junction improvements

Broadwater Ridgeway Dock Junction improvements To Bridge Improved connection

Belvedere Station Plumstead High Street Abbey Wood Plumstead Woods Station Station

FIG 1.3 Key proposals in the Thamesmead and Abbey Wood OAPF

Open space Proposed DLR extension Water Potential DLR extension to Belvedere Strategic Industrial Locations (SIL) Proposed BRT pilot Potential BRT extension to Belvedere Ridgeway Approved/outline permission sites OA boundary Potential sites of change Borough boundary Potential new pier Improved off-street routes Potential major interventions River frontage improvements Improved hub for leisure, community, health and sports facilities THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 13

What is the scope for growth in this OA?

This document sets out two development scenarios that have been considered for the next 25 years: intermediate growth and higher growth. These growth scenarios will inform further studies on how to fund and deliver homes, jobs and public transport, and will shape the future of the opportunity area. Further details can be found in Part 3 Unlocking Good Growth with Transport

Baseline Intermediate Growth Option Elizabeth line to Abbey Wood Bus Transit only

Belvedere Abbey Wood Belvedere Abbey Wood Woolwich Woolwich Arsenal Arsenal

5,000 NEW HOMES 8,000 NEW HOMES 4,000 NEW JOBS 5,500 NEW JOBS

Crossrail to Abbey Wood. Figures New partially-segregated bus transit are based on the emerging London corridor. Plan. • Direct links from Thamesmead to • These are calculated based on Woolwich and Abbey Wood. current committed transport • New interchange opportunities infrastructure, and form the between bus transit and Elizabeth reference case scenario for line at Woolwich and Abbey Wood. the transport modelling which • High frequency service (e.g. 12 underpins this OAPF. buses per hour). • To accommodate expected growth • Secure, accessible bus transit stops in the area, utility infrastructure and buses. (eg. water, electricity, broadband and local heat networks) should • Opportunities for high-quality be consulted on and planned for walking and cycling route along the accordingly. proposed transit corridor. THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 13

Higher Growth Option Funding of Transport Infrastructure DLR and Bus Transit The transport schemes identified in this OAPF are currently unfunded. Delivering major new public transport schemes in the area will depend on the scale of new growth to make a strong case for investment and on the availability of funding for construction.

Abbey Wood Growth in Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Woolwich Arsenal Belvedere OA is intrinsically linked to the delivery of strategic public transport connections. New public transport infrastructure is needed to 15,500 NEW HOMES support housing and employment growth, and vice-versa. 8,000 NEW JOBS As has been the case for other major -river DLR connection infrastructure projects (such as the (mayoral priority) and new partially Elizabeth line and the Northern line segregated bus transit corridor. extension), any funding package for new public transport connections is likely • Direct links to the and to include contributions from the new easier access to . residential and commercial developments • New interchange opportunities at: that the routes would serve. Developer • () contributions would also be expected to • Custom House (Elizabeth line) help fund local transport improvements, • Frequent service (current such as new or improved walking and assumption 7.5 trains per hour cycling routes and public spaces. (tph) at peak, with capacity for 15 Please refer to TfL’s Transport Strategy tph as demand increases) for Thamesmead and Abbey Wood OA, • Secure, accessible stations and which is available at www.london.gov.uk/ trains thamesmead THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 15 THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 15

1 Introduction

Chapter contents

1.1 How does this OAPF shape development? 1.2 Engagement and consultation 1.3 Strategic context 1.4 Baseline Analysis THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 17

P1 How does this OAPF shape development? 1.1

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

London Plan SPG Thamesmead & Abbey produced by Mayor of London Wood OAPF 2019 - 2041

Local Plans produced by local authorities Informs and influences

Neighbourhood Plans Other material planning considerations produced by local communities Statutory Development Plans

FIG 1.4 How does the OAPF relate to other planning documents?

What is an Opportunity Area Planning Frameworks? What is an Opportunity Area?

Opportunity Area Planning Frameworks London’s Opportunity Areas are (OAPFs) are strategic planning frameworks identified in the Mayor of London’s that set out planning, regeneration and Plan as London’s most significant design guidance for Opportunity Areas locations with development capacity (OAs). OAPFs are informed by policy and to accommodate new housing, guidance from the national to local level (fig commercial development and 1.4). infrastructure, linked to existing or potential improvements to public Through the OAPF process, the GLA and transport capacity and connectivity. TfL offer strategic planning and design expertise to London boroughs to define, support and deliver Good Growth in London’s OAs. Working in partnership with strategic stakeholders and local THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 17

communities, OAPFs complement local and must be read in the context of the relevant strategic planning policies in addressing the statutory planning policy which applies to challenges and opportunities in OAs, and development proposals in the OAPF area. identify the necessary physical and social infrastructure to support growth. Thamesmead & Abbey Wood OAPF OAPFs are Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) to the London Plan, and The Thamesmead & Abbey Wood OAPF are adopted by the Mayor of London as sets a vision for the development of the such. While an OAPF does not establish area up to 2041, and considers in detail how new policies, the framework does provide London Plan policies can be implemented in a direction of travel for forthcoming Local the Opportunity Area. Plan and policy reviews at both regional and This OAPF builds on local level planning local level. It will be a material consideration documents to address local level issues in in planning decisions, the plan making relation to strategic growth. The framework process and Section 106 negotiations. will enable the OA to contribute towards An OAPF can also be adopted by a local meeting London’s strategic housing planning authority as a Supplementary and employment growth needs while Planning Document (SPD). maintaining and enhancing the unique qualities that make Thamesmead and Abbey The OAPF sits alongside the London Plan’s Wood an attractive place for all residents strategic policies and the more detailed and businesses. policies of the two boroughs’ Local Plans. It

Greenwich Core Strategy Bexley Growth Strategy Thamesmead Abbey Wood OAPF Current London Plan emerging London Plan

2019 2026 2031 2036 2041 2050

FIG 1.5 Timeline for Thamesmead and Abbey Wood OAPF THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 29

Strategic Context P1 1.3

Planning for growth in London a range of job opportunities, culture, social and transport infrastructure, well- London’s population is growing and at designed and accessible places and a faster rate than previously predicted. a healthy environment. Planning and The population of London is projected to delivering development which meets increase by 70,000 every year, reaching these needs ensures that growth in 10.8 million in 2041. This means that just London results in ‘Good Growth’. to meet demand, we need to build tens of thousands of new homes - along with space for new jobs - every single year. Delivering ‘Good Growth’ As more people choose to live and work in London, there will be increased The emerging London Plan sets out pressure on land, infrastructure and a vision for ‘Good Growth’ across all services. These pressures must be Opportunity Areas. This means planning managed if London is to maintain its for growth on the basis of its potential to attractiveness for current and future improve the health and quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors. all Londoners, reduce inequalities and make the city a better place to live, work Most of this growth in jobs and homes and visit. will need to be accommodated within existing urban areas in London – The six Good Growth objectives are: particularly in areas with transport capacity or potential for upgrades, such • Building strong and inclusive communities as Opportunity Areas (OAs). • Making the best use of land • Creating a healthy city Delivering intensified development • Delivering the homes Londoners need around stations and well-connected town centres allows more people to live and • Growing a good economy work in convenient locations and reduces • Increasing efficiency and resilience pressure on the transport system. This also allows land for employment, green open spaces and industrial floorspace capacity in the OA to be protected.

Any growth in housing and jobs must ensure the city works for all Londoners and continues to provide for all of its people’s needs. These needs include access to decent and affordable housing, THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 29

What does this mean for Thamesmead and Abbey Wood?

The Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Additionally, the area falls within the Opportunity Area is home to 40,000 Thames Estuary corridor where the people and it is important that they are Mayor has an ambitious vision to able to share the benefits of growth. transform the estuary into a hub for large-scale industrial, creative and The emerging London Plan identifies that cultural production facilities - bringing - with transport and other infrastructure more jobs and economic impetus into the investment - this OA has the capacity area. This nationally recognised corridor to accommodate 15,500 new homes has links beyond London’s boundaries many of which would be for families (35% into the wider South East. estimated for three to four-bedroom units) and 8,000 new jobs.

OAs Central London OAs Elizabeth Line East and West OAs 2 North and South OAs London OAs Bakerloo Line Ext OAs /HS2 OAs Central Activities Zone & Northern Isle of Dogs Green Belt and Metropolitan Open GREENWICH Land Elizabeth Line Crossrail 2 BEXLEY Thameslink HS1 HS2 Northern line extension Bakerloo line extension London Trams extensions DLR extension Potential or proposed Thames crossings Stations Key interchange stations International town centres Metropolitan town centres Other town centres Strategic Industrial Location Strategic Outer London Development Centre Thamesmead and Abbey Wood OA Source: GLA Planning December 2017 Contains OS data © Crown copyright Thames Estuary Opportunity Areas and database right (2017) Other Opportunity Areas Borough boundary

FIG 1.14 Location of Thamesmead and Abbey Wood OA THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 31

Thames Estuary: Four interlinked OAs P1 1.3

BARKING & NEWHAM HAVERING TOWER HAMLETS

Royal Docks & Beckton

Isle of Dogs South Poplar

Thamesmead & Abbey Wood

Bexley Riverside GREENWICH

BEXLEY

LEWISHAM

FIG 1.15 Existing and potential transport connections in the Thames Estuary

Thamesmead and Abbey Wood OA Thames Estuary Opportunity Areas Other Opportunity Areas Open space Borough boundary

Proposed bus transit pilot Potential bus transit corridor Potential London Overground extension Proposed DLR extension Potential DLR onward extension Potential Elizabeth line extension THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 31

The Thames Estuary Thamesmead and Abbey Wood OA

The Thamesmead and Abbey Wood This OAPF considers the London Plan Opportunity Area (OA) forms one of four proposal to extend transport connections interlinked OAs currently underway in the from Gallions Reach towards Thamesmead, Thames Estuary. The Thames Estuary and assesses an Overground extension to represents the largest concentration Thamesmead from , and of OAs in London. The Thames Estuary bus transit linking with the Elizabeth line at continues to be a priority for regeneration Woolwich and Abbey Wood. and economic development in London, with Improved transport has been identified potential for over 250,000 new homes and as being fundamental to achieving Good 200,000 new jobs. Growth in the Thamesmead & Abbey Wood Development in several OAs in this corridor OA. Providing high quality public transport is coming forward at a fast pace, with connections, along with safe and attractive significant development in the Isle of Dogs, walking and cycling routes enables people and Woolwich. Others, to choose active and sustainable ways to including the Thamesmead & Abbey Wood travel and supports the delivery of more OA, will benefit from the arrival of new jobs and homes. transport infrastructure (Elizabeth line). Part 3 Unlocking Good Growth with The lack of river crossings in the Thames Transport provides further information on Estuary has been identified as holding the river crossing and transport options that back the full potential of the area. As a have been considered as part of this OAPF. consequence, the Mayor has prioritised and is exploring a number of schemes that will help unlock growth and connect OAs along the Thames Estuary.

ROYAL ISLE OF BEXLEY DOCKS & DOGS & SOUTH THAMESMEAD RIVERSIDE BECKTON POPLAR AND ABBEY OAPF RIVERSIDE OAPF WOOD OAPFPF OAPF

ADOPTED THIS DOCUMENT UNDERWAY UNDERWAY THAMESMEAD & ABBEY WOOD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLANNING FRAMEWORK 51

P1 1