A major development to create a new Canada Water town centre, which could include nearly 4,000 new homes and up to 30,000 new jobs, will be decided this and next week.

British Land’s application will go in front of Southwark’s planning committee on Wednesday (25 September) and next Monday (30 September) where council officers have recommended it be approved.

The committee will decide whether outline planning permission for the whole scheme will be given, as well as more detailed plans for the first phase of the development.

British land is seeking outline planning permission for buildings up to 138 metres tall, and up to 656,200sqm of floorspace for office space, a hotel, residential  assisted living, student accommodation, a cinema, community facilities including health and education uses, public toilets, a nightclub, an events space, an energy centre, a primary electricity substation, a secondary entrance for Surrey Quays Rail Station, a Park Pavilion, as well as works to the Canada Water Dock.

It is also seeking permission to demolish or retain with alterations Press Hall and Spine Building of the Printworks.

If approved, its detailed plans for the first phase of development would see 186 flats, as well as retail and workspace over a six and 34-storey building south of Surrey Quays Road and west of Deal Porters Way.

The plans also include a leisure centre to the east of Lower Road and west of Canada Water Dock, as well as retail and work space in a 4, 5 and 6 storey building.

A plot of land east of Roberts Close would see 79 flats in a 5 and 6 storey building, as well as an 8-pump petrol station north of Redriff Road and east of Lower Road.

Of the new homes, 35 per cent would be affordable – with 25 per cent let at social rent levels and 10 per cent let at intermediate rent.

The plans come after five years of liaising with the council,  local people and other groups, a council report said.

It would lead to the “complete transformation” of the Canada Water, the report continued.

This would create “a major new town centre with a diverse mix of jobs, shops, homes, leisure activities and cultural facilities.”

If planning permission was to be granted, the decision will be referred to the Mayor of London for approval.

Objectors will be able to make their case at Wednesday’s meeting.