A new development of over two hundred apartments will be built in Charlton after the developers finally gained planning permission.

The Independent Planning Inspectorate has given Galliard Homes the go-ahead for the development, which has been marketed for several years as the ‘Constellation’, on land behind Victoria Way.

The application, which had taken Greenwich Council two years and five months to decide, was previously rejected over air quality and noise concerns. A large warehouse, which will be well known to the many drivers who pass it everyday on the A102, will be demolished to make way for the development.

In the Inspectorate’s findings, he acknowledged that “the considerable number and range of objections” suggested the “proposed development would not be welcomed by many existing residents in the local area” but goes on to say that the “planning system works to regulate the development and use of land in the public interest, not to protect private interests.”

The Inspectorate found fault with the Greenwich Council had handled some parts of the planning application and they will have to pay partial costs for the appeal.

See also: 853 – There goes the neighbourhood

A public inquiry into a large planning application in Victoria Way started today at Woolwich Town Hall.

The application from Galliard Homes would see the demolition of the existing warehouse building at the site and the development of 209 apartments – rising up to six-storeys in part – and basement parking for 169 vehicles at the land to the rear of 40 Victoria Way.

Galliard have been marketing this development under the name Constellation for several years off plan.

After having the application rejected by Greenwich Council, Galliard have appealed to the independent Planning Inspectorate.

The public inquiry at the Town Hall is scheduled to run until Friday.