At the end of September, the council said that the completed development is not consistent with the 2012 planning permission, and identified at least 26 main deviations to the original consent — including the scheme’s non-accessible ‘accessible’ flats that cannot be used by wheelchair users due to steps, lack of disabled parking bays, and visible changes to the materials and windows.

Comer Homes Group stated that it is “shocked and surprised by this decision”, claiming that the council did not engage with the firm over the past five years on various matters regarding the development.

The firm said it remains steadfast that the council’s position is inaccurate and misrepresents the situation, and announced its intentions to appeal the enforcement notice.

In the release, Comer Homes alleged that the council has:

• exaggerated differences between the planning permission and completed building
• confused building control and planning matters
• refused to engage constructively with Comer Homes to remedy the issues
• demanded the demolition of the development, which “is unprecedented, unreasonable, extreme, and wholly disproportionate”

Comer Homes said that the new building has differences from historic planning designs, as they reflect new regulations — including post-Grenfell building regulations — and changes inherent in the construction process.

“Mast Quay Phase II is a lawful building that fully complies with all current building regulations, which includes stringent fire control measures and a fully fireproof façade,” said the statement.

The council claimed that the residential accommodation is of ‘lower quality’ in its proposal for demolition, which Comer Homes has outright denied, stating: “This is simply not true — The Building Control Authority has confirmed the building is safe and fully complies with regulations.

“The homes are finished to a high standard and the quality is tenure-blind so that affordable homes and private rental are equal.”

Comer Homes also denied allegations that the development does not accommodate disabled tenants — as the council pointed out that the ‘accessible’ apartments have steps to the balconies, making them unusable by wheelchair users. 

“All homes at Mast Quay Phase II can be adapted for disabled residents.

“The issues regarding thresholds, steps, etc are all matters that can be addressed by Comer Homes Group on an individual/apartment-by-apartment basis subject to the needs of tenants.”

The development also promised a children’s play space — which has not been completed — and a commercial space which has been removed by a resident’s gym. 

In response to this, Comer Homes stated it had revised the layout of the original design and submitted a revised landscaping strategy in August 2023 — which, according to the firm, is yet to be acknowledged by the council.

The developer also denied the removal of the commercial space whatsoever, saying that the area has been utilised to provide “an additional amenity for residents of the building”.

However, Comer Homes did admit that the landscaping needs to be improved.

The developer stated it wishes to work with the council to address the concerns, and has requested an urgent meeting with to address the issue.

DFT has contacted the Building Control Authority and the Royal Borough of Greenwich Council for comment, but has not yet received a response.