Sustainable Streets proposals have taken a step forward, with a new report recommending the project moves to final detailed designs and statutory consultation, including measures to address parking concerns.
The proposals include a combination of changes designed to improve how local streets function day-to-day. These include resident parking permits (that prioritise parking for residents and local businesses) along with new electric vehicle charging points, secure cycle parking, car club bays, additional street trees, and other on-street enhancements.
Any money raised from parking permits is ring-fenced to fund transport and highways improvements in the borough - including subsidised Freedom Passes for older and disabled people.
The report also recommends that, following feedback from residents as part of the council’s consultation, proposals for Charlton, Kidbrooke & Blackheath, and West Thamesmead will not be taken forward. Previous proposals for Plumstead and Shooters Hill were also withdrawn in August.
The recommendations follow two phases of non-statutory consultation, the most recent being held in August and September, which saw residents and businesses feedback online, at libraries and Advice Hubs and at in person events including. The online survey portal had 42,000 visitors alone.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said:
“The Royal Borough of Greenwich is one of the fastest-growing boroughs in London and we need to make sure that our streets work for everyone. After both rounds of public consultation, we have carefully considered the views shared by residents.
Feedback, particularly from the Woolwich resident feedback sessions, showed support for improving local streets. This reflects the fact that Woolwich, despite having some of the best public transport connections in the borough, continues to experience high levels of parking stress. Commuter and visitor parking frequently spills into residential roads, reducing parking availability for local households.
With the number of new homes being built, as well as a state-of-the-art leisure centre opening soon, we need to make sure its transport and parking infrastructure is fit for purpose. This includes providing additional secure cycle parking through bike hangars, expanding electric vehicle charging points, and introducing car club bays in Woolwich.
Taking Sustainable Streets forward in Woolwich will balance the needs of residents with the demands of a modern town centre. However, we also recognise through our extensive consultation with residents that in other areas support was limited with some concerns raised and so we have listened and will not be progressing with proposals in those areas.’"
Many residents told the Council that they value improvements such as better cycle storage, more car club vehicles, and greater travel choices even if they did not support some of the more specific changes, such as resident parking permits. This means that while some streets will not move forward as part of the Sustainable Streets scheme at this stage, the council will continue to explore targeted improvements that can deliver clear benefits to local communities.
Next steps for Woolwich
The purpose of the non-statutory consultation was to listen to residents and shape proposals around local priorities. Based on what the Council heard, it will now progress with the Woolwich Sustainable Streets area where there is public support (subject to processes). These proposals will move into a more detailed design, allowing residents to see how the plans might work in practice. There will be further opportunities for feedback once the scheme is formally advertised.
The Council will also continue to monitor broader changes across the borough that may affect parking demand and travel patterns. Future reports will help determine whether additional consultation is needed in other areas.
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