The Royal Wharf development in Silvertown by Ballymore and Oxley has transformed a former industrial site, creating thousands of new homes as well as new retail and commercial space. The project is nearing completion, but a new planning application has become very controversial. We want to have a closer look here. Then, if you want to arrange guaranteed rent in Newham for investment properties, talk to us.

A new proposal

The developers are proposing to build on one of the last remaining pieces of land in the area. The project would create a new 12 storey building, delivering more housing. The plot at Royal Crest Avenue is currently vacant and boarded off.

The controversy

Dozens of Royal Wharf residents voiced their opposition to the new planning application during a consultation period. Many claim that the land should be green space, something that would be very beneficial to the community in a high density urban development.

Interestingly, some of the residents are actually criticising the developers for “broken trust and misrepresentation”. They claim that a marketing brochure from 2023 said the Royal Crest Avenue plot would be open green space. Some even say they purchased their homes after being told that the development was complete and there would be no additional construction.

Developer response

Responding to the backlash, the developers said they were aware of contradictory public information. However, they said the 2023 brochure was wrong and didn’t properly illustrate the masterplan for Royal Wharf. They affirmed they hadn’t meant to mislead anybody.

Crucially, the developers pointed back to the 2012 masterplan that got planning permission. In it, they specify that the plot at Royal Crest Avenue is for housing.

What will happen?

This is a really interesting case, despite the controversy. Notably, council planning officers gave a recommendation to approval it. They said that marketing materials do not influence decisions because they are only illustrative. Therefore, details in the 2023 brochure are not binding. The specification in the 2012 plans that the plot is for housing is more significant.

One of the big concerns about the new 12 storey housing block is it will reduce daylight and outlook in neighbouring buildings, including homes and a school. Council planners acknowledge this will happen and understand the concerns. However, they find that the impacts are not unacceptable due to the urban nature of the site. Permission is likely to be given.

The easy way to arrange guaranteed rent in Newham

Developments like Royal Wharf can create fantastic new investment properties. If you buy and then want to arrange reliable services, you can trust us. We’re one of the leading providers of guaranteed rent solutions in London. We can therefore support clients in exploring the advantages and setting everything up. Plus, you can rely on us for ongoing support.

So, if you want guaranteed rent in Newham or other parts of London, speak to us. We can answer your questions, recommend terms, and more.