Planning Permission Granted for Plumstead
Plumstead is the first major development by Berkeley Homes and Peabody that comes forward as part of the wider regeneration of Thamesmead. This multiphase scheme will create a new neighbourhood of approx. 1750 homes, including 34,000 sq. ft. industrial space and retail and community spaces.
The landscape masterplan builds upon the wider vision for the Thamesmead area and creates a connected piece of green infrastructure with a series of green streets, community gardens, a naturalistic park, new square and biodiverse podium gardens. The landscape proposals work with the existing conditions and strive to create a biophilic place for the residents and the wider community.
The new park, covering 1.8 acres, creates a local destination greenspace within the development and stitches together the surrounding green infrastructure. It will be a central, dynamic green space at the heart of the development, and a fantastic asset for the wider community, offering a range of play and recreation opportunities, and spaces to reconnect with nature. A SuDS pond is a feature that defines the park's southern boundary and supports the adjacent development proposals by attenuating surface water runoff. The pond also forms the backbone to the nature recovery network by providing new habitats for wildlife and important opportunities for biodiversity. The central lawn space will accommodate events and large community gatherings. A destination play area to the north part of the site, offers activities and opportunities for children of all ages to meet. Pockets of play spaces for the 5-11 and 12-15 years old will be provided alongside a play trail. Ornamental planting with texture, colour and smell to the edges of the play areas create wonder and seasonal variety.
HTA's proposal seeks to create a rich, biodiverse landscape promoting mental and physical health and wellbeing; adapting to the impacts of climate change; improving air and water quality; encouraging walking and cycling; and conserving and enhancing biodiversity and ecological resilience alongside more traditional functions of green space such as play, sport and recreation.
In addition, the proposed scheme includes public realm improvements to the wider streetscape around the site including a generous 3m wide footway, raingardens, tree planting and a designated cycle way to create a safe pedestrian environment by segregating the pedestrians from cyclists. The proposals will include a new ramped access to the Ridgeway, facilitating a continuous pedestrian and cyclist experience to the greenspaces in Thamesmead and the Thames
Work is expected to begin in 2022 with a completion date of 2028.
