Council-Backed Development Faces Affordable Housing Controversy
Bexley Council is pushing forward with a contentious proposal to demolish the 1930s Erith Post Office and replace it with a 33-flat development, a scheme that has drawn significant criticism for its complete lack of affordable housing. The council-owned developer, BexleyCo, will present the plans to the council's own Planning Committee on November 13, with officers already recommending approval.
The justification for excluding any affordable units hinges on a financial viability assessment. While an initial report in June predicted a staggering £1.5 million loss, a review in August significantly reduced the projected deficit. However, it still concluded that the project would leave the council £113,000 out of pocket, deeming the inclusion of affordable housing unviable.
Design Details and Local Objections
The proposed building would be a part-three, part-six-storey structure containing a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. A key architectural feature of the plan is the retention of the locally listed brick façade from the original Post Office, built in 1933, which would be integrated into the new design.
The development also proposes two commercial units on the ground floor and amenities for future residents, including a communal courtyard and a roof terrace with views over the Thames. Despite these features, the plan has met with considerable local opposition.
Erith Councillor Chris Ball has been a vocal critic, labelling the absence of affordable housing a "clear breach of policy" and a "deeply concerning message." He emphasised the overwhelming need for affordable homes in both Bexley and London, arguing that financial viability is not an acceptable justification for bypassing council policy, which aims for 50% affordable housing in new developments.
Other objections from residents and the Bexley Civic Society include concerns over the building's height, the loss of the Post Office, inadequate parking, and the potential harm to the Erith Riverside Conservation area. The Civic Society specifically criticised the failure to retain a distinctive curved brick wall that shields a storage yard.
A Decision Looms Amidst Policy Conflict
The situation presents a clear conflict for Bexley Council, which is acting as both the developer and the planning authority. While the council has its own ambitious target for affordable housing, its commercial arm, BexleyCo, argues that meeting this target is financially impossible for the Erith site.
Planners have noted that the new commercial units could potentially host a Post Office, but the final decision on this would rest with the Post Office itself. With the Planning Committee meeting set for November 13, the fate of the historic Post Office site and the debate over affordable housing in the borough are set to reach a critical juncture.
