Divisive proposals: multi-billion pound regeneration of Woolwich Arsenal sparks furious row over Plumstead Market site

The multibillion-pound regeneration of Woolwich Arsenal has sparked a furious row over plans to displace scores of small businesses to make way for 750 new homes.

Greenwich council is considering plans to continue housebuilding around the historic military site with hundreds of new homes, shops, a new cinema and offices.

But critics claim that some 130 local firms could be put out of business by the proposed Spray Street Quarter development by Notting Hill Homes and St Modwen, costing around 700 jobs.

The project would undoubtedly provide badly needed new homes in a borough with some 17,000 people on the council’s housing waiting list.

A total of 260 of the homes would be affordable and aimed at cash-strapped first-time buyers and renters. However, the development has horrified owners and staff based in Spray Street and Plumstead Road who would be displaced by the plans.

They marched on the town hall last month calling for the council to throw out the proposals.

Building the Spray Street Quarter would also mean demolishing the mid-century Plumstead Covered Market.

Heritage group The 20th Century Society says the unique building, currently occupied by Street Feast food market, should be preserved.

It has submitted a formal objection to the plans, and has also asked Historic England to consider listing the market.

“This scheme proposes to sweep away an entire city block of buildings which have grown up organically over the last 150 years, in a part of London that has already been transformed almost beyond recognition in the last few years,” said Tess Pinto, the society’s senior conservation adviser.

Residents group Speak Out Woolwich is also objecting to the plans. It feels there is not enough social housing included on the Spray Street site and that there are too many small flats and not enough family-sized homes.

“This scheme could be so much better,” said spokesman John Edward.

Local resident Simon Pirani is one of more than 200 people to have signed a petition against the proposals. “Let’s have more social housing, not gentrification that only helps property development company owners,” he said.

A spokesman for the developers said the 260 affordable homes total being provided is in line with Greater London Authority policy and pointed out that once complete the Spray Street Quarter would bring around 440 permanent new jobs to Woolwich.

“To deliver the full potential of the regeneration along with much-needed new private and affordable homes, we need to develop the full site, including the market building,” he added. “We do propose to incorporate large parts of the market roof into the final development.

“We will continue to work with all stakeholders, including the council, statutory consultees, and the Woolwich community to deliver new homes as well as cultural and leisure facilities within a well-designed development that will provide wide-ranging benefits to local people.”

Greenwich council is expected to rule on the planning application later this year.