Greenwich bus garage operating for two years without permission

Over two years ago a new bus garage opened at Greenwich Peninsula on the Morden Wharf site and according to the company operating the site – Go Ahead – it has space for 125 buses.

Overview of site from some years ago

One problem though. No one apparently ever sought planning permission for this use.

This is quite baffling. How can a major site comprising 125 buses, staff car parking, engineering facilities and more have never been approved?

Planning is only now being sought retrospectively.

Viewed from the Thames

Now, I’m not sure how this impacts on traffic, modelling and pollution data in the area and any possible impact on Silvertown Tunnel – let alone current traffic – but it’s astonishing this can operate for over two years before being formally applied for. We know that since an enquiry into Silvertown Tunnel traffic projections much has changed in the area. This is yet another example.

One other thing to note is that it’s a temporary use for 10 years – and as it’s been operating since July 2017 then there’s less than eight years to go. That would still overlap with Silvertown Tunnel opening if approved by Sadiq Khan.

I’m sure some will say, well it’s buses so not a problem, though 125 buses will impact on pollution, congestion and the local area so needs to follow due process. And when approval is being weighted up mitigation measures can be analysed and arranged.

The site is owned by developer U+I who sponsored a Greenwich Council awards ceremony earlier this year.

Developer U&I have supported Greenwich Council awards

U+I purchased the site over seven years ago but have yet to build a single home. An early draft for housing on part of Morden Wharf controversially placed all “affordable” homes closer to the Blackwall Tunnel.

U+I state they will now consult on altered plans.

This bus station site directly adjacent to housing planned – and perhaps after bus station usage will convert to more housing.

After splashing out to renew website hosting I’ve launched a summer funding appeal. Any help much appreciated.

 

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J Smith

I've lived in south east London most of my life growing up in Greenwich borough and working in the area for many years. The site has contributors on occasion and we cover many different topics. Living and working in the area offers an insight into what is happening locally.

4 thoughts on “Greenwich bus garage operating for two years without permission

  • Ah thank you for clarifying the giant letters I see painted at Morden Wharf. I glimpse them on the way into the tunnel and for some reason thought they spelt UTI (once you get past 50 it becomes clearer)

    Reply
  • It is amazing that neither Go Ahead London Buses and U+I ,applied for planning permission. It is even more astonshing that Greenwich Council were not aware that planning permission had not been applied for let alone permission granted.

    It has been documented that buses would operate out of Morden Wharf. Most recently when the tender awards for routes 291 and 178 were announced back in 2018.

    IF U+I had agreed with Go Ahead London temporary use for 10 years. Then it appears that U+I do not plan building on the site until 2027 at the earliest.

    With the growth in population and the amount of new homes already built and under construction, The public transport infrastructure does need improvements to meet demand and this will also include more buses.

    Reply
  • Pingback: Greenwich residents complain as Morden Wharf developer starts helicopter trips to site | Murky Depths

  • Very strong romours it’s closing down end of year abs new garage in plumstead. Any truth

    Reply

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