870 new homes could be built at Erith Quarry site as plans lodged with Bexley council

by Lachlan Leeming, Local Democracy Reporter

A developer has increased the number of homes it wants to build on a site with special natural importance, in the teeth of opposition from wildlife groups.

New plans which could see up to 870 homes in total built at the Erith Quarry site have been lodged with Bexley council.

Erith Hills LLP, a joint venture between developer Anderson and housing association L&Q, this month submitted plans to build an additional 83 residential units at the site, as well as requesting outline planning permission for up to 187 extra homes.

It comes as work continues on Anderson’s 2015 application at the site, which saw the council unanimously approve the firm’s original plans to build 600 homes, as well as a 21-classroom primary school for 630 students, at the old quarry.

The original plans were passed despite objections from the London Wildlife Trust and Bexley Natural Environment Forum, which both voiced concerns over the impact on wildlife at the quarry, which remains a designated Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).

The following year, developers confirmed that more than 500 snakes and lizards were moved from the Erith site ahead of building work to begin, to be reintroduced to a grassland area included in plans.

Bexley council is currently reviewing the area’s status as a SINC, according to the most recent planning documents.