Deptford was a town of two parts, the old fishing village at Deptford Strond beside the Thames, and the settlement around Deptford Broadway, close to Deptford Bridge, which depended economically upon the traffic along the Dover Road.

Only the former is shown on this 1623 map, which belonged to John Evelyn, the diarist.

It shows the importance of shipbuilding in Deptford by this time, with the Royal Dockyard at the bottom of the map (the west) and the East India Company’s yard closer to Deptford Creek.

Inland there were still few houses.

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The Deptford Riviera is a name coined locally for a half-mile stretch of waterfront that has thus far escaped the “tyranny of the bland” that has destroyed much of riparian London. stretching from the 18th century Rum Warehouses in the west converted and woven into 1960s Pepys Estate. To their east Convoys Wharf contains not only the listed Olympia building but the unprotected, except as an archaeological feature, filled in Great Double Dry Building Dock and the again filled in 13th century Basin. Currently being restored the listed early 18th century Master Shipwrights House and offices are the oldest surviving above ground buildings of the Royal Dockyard established by Henry VIII in 1513. Immediately adjacent are the Upper Watergate Stairs (shown on Sir John Evelyn’s map of 1623) under threat from the proposals to redevelop the listed Paynes Wharf (six mighty Italianate arches facing the Thames) along with Borthwick Wharf.

Deptford Community Boatyard Ltd
441 New Cross Road
London

SE14 6TA
Tel: 02086926367

Link to Map

Use of the river

1. A potential Passenger Pier on the Thames frontage is mentioned. It is unclear whether or not this is part of the proposals. The pier would be in close proximity to Greenwich pier. Whilst Greenwich Pier is known to be close to capacity, it seems unlikely that a pier somewhat removed from the town centre at this location would be an attractive alternative location. TfL’s London River Services should be asked about this aspect.
2. London Plan policies 4A.1 and 4A.2 seek the sustainable transportation of waste and its management within London. The applicants should consider the delivery of materials and transportation of waste via water.

Thames Path/access

1. The creation of the Thames Path and the set back of buildings from the waters edge is supported. The Thames Path should link step free with the Wood Wharf development to the east and should be open to the public at all times.

Bridge over Deptford Creek.

1. The application states that this is the subject of a separate planning application. However, it is shown on most of the drawings. The scheme would benefit the recently completed development to the west of Deptford Creek by providing additional footfall, movement through it and connecting it more easily to Greenwich Town Centre rather than for the development itself.
2. If the bridge is constructed it must be able to be opened to navigation. There is a safeguarded wharf along Deptford Creek.

Moorings

1. No moorings are proposed as part of the development. A small number of visitor moorings may be appropriate on Deptford Creek or in a protected berth on the Thames. The applicant should explore this possibility with the PLA and Environment Agency and ensure the long-term management of such a facility.