Squeeze singer speaks out against Charlton housing plan

A controversial plan for 770 Charlton homes was sent "up the junction" following an objection from Squeeze singer Glenn Tilbrook.

Greenwich Councillors unanimously threw out Rockwell Homes's proposals to bulldoze an industrial estate in Hope and Anchor Lane to make room for 11 tower blocks.

The decision, last night, was cheered by objectors, who delivered a 600-strong petition against the proposals.

Among those who spoke out was the Squeeze front man, who said the project would impact on his studio in Charlton.

He said last night: "I'd like to talk about my studio which is at the back of the development site. I've been trying to engage with Rockwell about my access rights, the replies I've had have not been sufficient.

"Access for me is important. Squeeze work in the studio, we are in and out every weekend during festival season, late at night sometimes. This access is not guaranteed.

"Noise in and noise out, my studio will be rendered unusable during the building process. When building work is going on vibrations will carry, noise will carry. "The studio is situated away from Derrick & Atlas gardens. The development as it stands at 10 storeys will be very close to my studio, and there has been no provision made for proper soundproofing.

"It feels like Rockwell will drive a coach and horses through my studio, as indeed they will be driving a coach and horses through the Charlton masterplan."

The "Cool for Cats" singer was referring to Greenwich Council's £800K planning vision for Charlton, which objectors said the developers ignored when submitting their proposals.

The Charlton Riverside Masterplan was adopted by the council last year and sets out a vision for thousands of homes and additional infrastructure.

Chairing the meeting, Cllr Sarah Merrill said: "The community in Charlton bought into the masterplan. It sets a clear vision. I think this application in absolutely no way resembles the spirit of the masterplan, in terms of height, massing and design. Some of the design is resemblant of Stalingrad."

Rockwell had proposed 770 new homes, the majority of which were two bed, at 25% affordable housing, and said the plans would also bring jobs.