Architects’ airbrushed visualizations are often too good to be true when it comes to real-life buildings. The computer-generated renderings use sharp highlights, impossibly perfect skies, and enhanced colors to persuade planners to grant permission. However, the stark contrast between the proposed design of a 23-storey apartment complex along the Thames in east London and the actual construction has finally led to decisive action.
The Royal Borough of Greenwich, after identifying 26 major deviations from the approved planning permission, has taken the unprecedented step of ordering the developers of Mast Quay II to demolish the building. This leaves the 204 flat tenants facing the challenging task of finding new living arrangements.
The original visualizations, presented over a decade ago, showcased a contemporary residential architecture design with added details to make the project more visually appealing. However, the final construction is much simpler and, in some areas, resembles stacked shipping containers. Local residents had already voiced complaints, citing buildings that exceeded permitted footprints and a lack of necessary facilities, including those for disabled individuals.
Anthony Okereke, the council leader, described the decision as simply unacceptable, while Aidan Smith, cabinet member for regeneration, labeled the development a blight on the landscape. Smith emphasized that a similar proposal for Mast Quay Phase II would be rejected if submitted today, and the council cannot allow the current development to remain unchallenged.
The council explained that it only became apparent in 2022, after construction was completed, that the deviations from the planning permission were not solely exterior changes.
The developer, Comer Homes Group, which also serves as the landlord, promotes the buildings on their website as luxury riverside apartments with breathtaking views. However, the council’s investigation revealed numerous discrepancies, including missing features such as a glazed curtain wall that was meant to resemble a sail, smaller balconies and windows, the absence of roof gardens and children’s play areas, and so-called “accessible” apartments with steps on the balconies, rendering them unusable for wheelchair users.
Furthermore, the promised underground car park was never constructed, and surface car parking took up space that was originally intended for gardens.
In a statement, the council declared that their extensive investigation concluded that Mast Quay Phase II was built without planning permission and is therefore illegal due to its substantial deviation from the approved scheme. The council believes that the only reasonable solution to rectify the harm caused by the completed development is to demolish the building and restore the land to its original condition.
The developer, Comer Homes Group, has yet to respond to the matter. According to the council, the developer’s argument for making changes to the initial design was based on alterations to the building regulations. However, the developer only applied for retrospective planning consent as a result of the enforcement investigation carried out by the council.
The developer now has 28 days to appeal against the enforcement notice to the government’s Planning Inspectorate.
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