Deptford homes in the dock

One of the biggest developments ever proposed for London - a plan to build large numbers of houses on Deptford riverside - is running into problems with the local population.

Media company News International has applied to build more than 3,500 homes, along with shops and restaurants, at Convoys Wharf. The scheme will also see the construction of a wasterecycling and processing facility.

However, residents say the project, designed by the mayor of London's architectural adviser, Lord Rogers, does not reflect the area's seafaring history.

The disused 42-acre site at Convoys Wharf has a long maritime tradition that started with Henry VIII's dockyard, founded in 1513. For much of the past 70 years it was used for the landing, warehousing and transportation of newsprint. The site became vacant when News International moved its facilities to Chatham a few years ago, making it a prime redevelopment site. News International said: "We are redeveloping the site in order to maximise its value both to us and the local community."

But plans to demolish 25 acres of wharves, which residents claim should be protected by the Port of London Authority, have caused anger.

"Property prices, driven to inflated heights by residential pressure along

the waterside, make it impossible for any kind of marine activity to compete unless it is protected," said campaigner Julian Kingston. "We understand that [deputy mayor] Nicky Gavron has told the architects that if they preserved eight acres for a waste-recycling plant, then the removal of the wider protection would be 'no problem'.

"We find this form of horse-trading deeply disturbing in its disregard of the mayor's riverside protection policies and will put at risk other protected wharves."

Gavron said she had been discussing the future of Convoys Wharf with residents. "I am meeting local people this week and will express their concerns to the mayor, who will make the decision."

The Port of London Authority said: "The frontage of the site and 22 acres behind it are safeguarded for riverdependent use. We are now discussing with the GLA and Lewisham how the area can best be used. We believe the Thames should play an larger role in London's transport system. More than 11 million tonnes of cargo is transported along the Thames."