Explore the proposal

This is a consultation on proposals for 258 high-quality new homes for Blackheath, including 238 apartments within a series of sensitively designed apartment buildings and 20 houses arranged along landscaped streets.

The History of the Site

This land is approximately 2.2 hectares in size and was formerly the Huntsman Sports Club. It lies at the south-eastern corner of the Cator Estate, south of Blackheath Village. It occupies a strategically important location in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, sitting at the junction between to the north & west, the Blackheath Conservation Area, and to the south, Weigall Road, with established residential properties. To the east, the Kidbrooke regeneration area has resulted in a large residential expansion. Its good public transport accessibility and proximity to high-quality open spaces enhance its suitability for residential development.

IMAGES: Aerial views of the site

The site is a former sports club ground, derelict since 1998, which extends to 2.2 hectares. The site has been allocated in the current local plan for residential development as part of the Kidbrooke Development Area. It was identified as an Intensification Area under the London Plan seeking to increase the number of residential units to be delivered at the site.

A total of four applications have been submitted on the site since 2008, namely 15/2819/F, 14/1585/F, 10/2706/F and 08/2925/O. The most recent of these applications (15/2819/F) progressed to appeal, based on non-determination. In November 2016, the appeal was dismissed and planning permission (for a residential scheme of 130 units) was therefore refused. The main reason given for refusal was that the scheme did not make adequate provision for affordable housing. As part of the application process, for our forthcoming 258-unit scheme, a viability assessment will be submitted which will assess what levels of affordable housing the development can feasibly provide. Affordable homes will either be provided on-site or through a payment to the council’s offsite affordable housing delivery.

Homes

The proposals are for 258 new high-quality homes, which includes 238 apartments in sensitively designed apartment buildings, as well as 20 houses arranged along landscaped streets. The scheme is designed to promote an inclusive and balanced community.

There will be 61 one-bed homes (23.6%); 36 two-bed smaller homes (14%); 113 two-bed larger homes (43.8%); 32 three-bed homes (12.4%); 6 three-bed homes (2.3%); and 10 four-bed homes (3.9%).

ABOVE: Image of proposed houses

ABOVE: Image of proposed apartments

The masterplan has high-quality architecture, generous landscaping, and inclusive design. The building heights respect existing neighbouring properties, with detailed brickwork and sustainable green roofs to enhance the development’s character and environmental performance.

The scheme supports sustainable transport through extensive cycle provision and a restrained parking strategy. There will be 490 cycle parking and 95 car parking spaces provided across the development. We have accessible and adaptable housing standards throughout with all homes, with 33 of the homes being fully wheelchair accessible.

Moreover, the site is subject to a covenant dated 5 November 1956, which states that the land should only be used for detached houses (stand-alone houses, not flats/apartments). However, the council’s local plan, and the wider London Plan, require that a certain number of homes be built on the Site, which is not possible to achieve with a scheme comprising only detached housing.

To respect the old covenant as much as possible these emerging proposals place detached houses along the northern and western edges of the site, where the land borders the Blackheath Conservation Area. This ensures that the new development protects the character of the conservation area.

Furthermore, the two apartment buildings located closest to the western boundary will be designed to look like large, detached houses, rather than obvious blocks of flats. This will reduce their visual impact and help the buildings to fit in with the surrounding historic context.

BELOW: Proposed plan

Green spaces

The scheme has been designed with a carefully considered mix of public and private open spaces, with communal gardens, tree-lined streets, and connections to the wider green network. Building heights progressively decrease towards the Cator Estate. We've created a sustainable design, delivering energy-efficient homes, integrated cycle storage, and enhanced biodiversity through a robust landscape strategy.

Private gardens are enclosed and overlooked by residential buildings, ensuring security while maintaining a sense of openness through good planting.

BELOW: Private and public amenity spaces (please scroll to see all the images)

Energy efficiency

The design will minimise energy demand with efficient building materials, and high levels of insulation to walls, roofs, and floors. The layout will maximise natural daylight, reduce reliance on artificial lighting, and limit summer overheating.

Air Source Heat Pumps will be used as the primary low-carbon heat source delivering space heating, cooling, and domestic hot water. Each detached home will have its own on-site heat pump.

Photovoltaic (solar) panels will be placed on suitable roof areas with good solar exposure, plugged directly to supply both communal areas and individual homes.

This aligns with the London Plan's direction towards low-carbon electricity-based systems, delivering a future-proof response to climate and environmental considerations.

Conclusion

This site provides 258 new homes, both apartments and houses, and responding sensitively to the surrounding area.

It’s been informed by early consultation with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, and represents a significant opportunity to contribute to local housing needs while enhancing the character and connectivity of this vital part of Blackheath.

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The Team