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Dear Greenwich Council,

We, the undersigned residents and affected parties, formally submit this
petition to express our deep concern over the council’s lack of meaningful
engagement and failure to adhere to the Compensation Code following the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) granted in 2022.

The Woolwich Exchange is a proposed multi-million pound development
in the heart of Woolwich, between the A206, Spray Street, Burrage Road,
and Woolwich New Road. During the COVID Lockdown, Greenwich Council rushed through a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) on the area, putting over 145 existing businesses, residential areas, and community premises, of which 93% are owned by ethnic minorities, at risk. Because of the lockdown, locals were unable to adequately challenge this process.

Now businesses face eviction after over 60 years of trading on the site in
the area.

Since the CPO was granted, the council has consistently failed to provide
adequate updates, consult with those affected, or engage in a transparent
and fair process regarding compensation. This has resulted in undue stress, financial hardship, and uncertainty for those impacted.

The key issues we raise are as follows:

1. Lack of Communication and Transparency – There has been little to no proactive communication from the council regarding progress, timelines, or next steps, leaving affected parties in a state of limbo. For example after many months the council held a meeting with us on the 25/2/25 but was ill- prepared to address our concerns

2. Failure to Follow Compensation Code – Despite clear legal
obligations, the council has not adhered to the Compensation Code, failing to offer fair and timely settlements to those affected by the CPO. The council under value our decades of owning businesses and property in this area with no investment from the council.

3. Disregard for Stakeholder Engagement – Requests for meetings, consultations, and updates have largely been ignored, denying impacted individuals their right to participate in discussions affecting their properties and livelihoods.

4. Unfair Delays in Compensation – Many affected parties remain
uncompensated or have been offered settlements that do not align with the provisions of the Compensation Code, exacerbating financial and emotional distress. This blights our livelihoods and prevents from planning for our and our families future.

5. Undervaluation of Landlords’ Properties – The council has significantly undervalued landlords’ properties, leading to financial losses and preventing them from reinvesting appropriately. The council’s CPO is putting over 145 existing businesses of which 93% are owned by ethnic minorities, at risk. Some of the businesses face eviction after over 60 years of trading in the area.

6. Lack of Hardship Schemes – Despite the economic impact on affected parties, the council has failed to establish hardship schemes to support individuals facing financial difficulties due to the delays and undervaluation. The CPO has blighted business with lenders unwilling to invest and the Council’s prolonged process has put family livelihoods at risk.

7. Refusal to Provide Cost Undertaking for Landlords’ Advisers – The council has refused to cover reasonable costs for professional advice required by landlords, putting them at a financial disadvantage.

8. Failure to Provide Promised Relocation Support – Despite assurances, the council has not provided the necessary support for relocation, leaving affected parties struggling to secure suitable alternatives. The council’s four year Plan “Our Greenwich” states explicitly that development and change must benefit the local people and not gentrification” and yet the council routinely fails to meet the needs of local business owners, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to losing their land and their livelihoods and being forced out of their local communities. In other words, gentrification.

We call upon the council and the developer, Notting Hill Genesis, to:

• Immediately engage with affected residents and businesses in a
transparent and meaningful manner.

• Provide a clear timeline and process for compensation payments in
accordance with the Compensation Code.

• Address any outstanding claims fairly and expeditiously, ensuring
that those affected receive rightful compensation without further
delay.

• Establish a dedicated liaison to facilitate clear and consistent
communication between the council and affected parties.

• Review property valuations to ensure fairness and compliance with
market rates.

• Set up hardship schemes to assist those facing financial strain due to
the council’s handling of the CPO process.

• Provide cost undertaking for landlords’ advisers to ensure fair legal
and financial representation.

• Fulfil commitments to relocation support as previously
promised.

We urge the council to take immediate action to rectify these concerns and uphold its responsibilities under the law. The undersigned request a formal response outlining the steps the council will take to address these failures and provide the fair treatment owed to all affected
parties.