A company that specialises in developing “micro-flats” has begun consulting neighbours on plans to build next to New Eltham station.
Pocket Living was at the centre of controversy three years ago when Greenwich’s Labour councillors revolted against plans to sell three plots of land on council estates to the company.
The company specialises in building small flats on awkward sites, with one-bedroom flats typically little bigger than a studio. It then sells them at a discount to local residents.
Greenwich abandoned its plans to sell two of three plots on estates to Pocket, with just one scheme, for 48 flats off The Heights in Charlton, being approved in February with little objection from residents.
It has been funded by City Hall under both the Johnson and Khan mayoralties, and has former Greenwich & Woolwich MP Nick Raynsford on its board. The discounts mean the company’s homes qualify as “affordable housing”.
Last year Pocket was linked with council plans to sell green space off Tunnel Avenue, east Greenwich, for development; those plans were abandoned after an outcry from residents and local MP Matt Pennycook.
Pocket wants to build on a plot between Blanmerle Road and the Co-op car park off Footscray Road, which includes a small green space and a footpath and is next to New Eltham station.
According to Land Registry and Companies House records, the plan involves land owned by Selworthy Estates, which is owned by a Sussex-based businessman, Gregory Palmer.
No designs have been released, but Pocket says it will provide a “new and safer access to New Eltham station” from Blanmerle Road and improve biodiversity around the site.
A drop-in session was held yesterday, but residents can find out more and ask questions by visiting newelthamse9.com.
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