The chief executive of the government’s Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment has called for more homes to be built on the millennium dome site in Greenwich
John Rouse voiced fears that decision makers are “losing sight” of the importance of the Greenwich site, which is the largest brownfield area in inner London.

A range of affordable housing should be built across the remaining 300 acres, he said.

“We are still waiting for a government decision on the dome,” Rouse explained. “I feel people are losing sight of the importance of the Greenwich site and its huge potential for a significant new settlement.

“The Millennium Village covers less than a quarter of the site and was supposed to be the first stage of built homes on the site. I don’t want people to forget the original vision.”

Greenwich council declined to comment on the situation, but is understood to support further house building on the dome site.

The decision on the future of the site currently rests with housing minister Lord Falconer who has kept his responsibility for the controversial scheme. It is said to cost around £1.8m each month to maintain the dome.

“Social housing comes into play on every scheme we’re involved in,” Rouse said. “It’s always been there as an issue because of prevailing need.

“The debate has, for so long, been polarised between affordable housing and market housing but we want a spectrum of affordability for young first and second jobbers and low and middle income families, as well as homes at market price.”

Sue Ellenby, head of the London Housing Federation, said: “We have to ensure that we take the opportunity to create mixed tenure communities. This means providing a range of housing solutions, including social renting, sub-market renting and low-cost home ownership.”