The Strategic Development Committee of Newham Council was scheduled to discuss two significant planning applications. These included a proposal for a new apart-hotel in Stratford and a change of use application for a theatrical and immersive entertainment venue within Westfield Stratford City.

Land Adjacent Meridian Square, Great Eastern Road, Stratford

The committee was scheduled to consider a proposal for the erection of a ground plus 21-storey building adjacent to Meridian Square, in the Stratford Olympic Park area. The development was planned to provide an apart-hotel (Class C1) with associated front-of-house facilities, communal amenity space, an ancillary gym, public realm enhancements, and landscaping. The report pack indicated a recommendation for approval for this application.

The site lies within the administrative area of the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). Although LLDC's planning powers transferred back to the London Borough of Newham on 1st December 2024, the LLDC Local Plan (2020) remains the relevant development plan until the Draft Newham Local Plan is adopted.

The proposed apart-hotel, named Stay City, would include 250 rooms. The ground and first floors were planned to be publicly accessible, featuring a reception, café, restaurant/bar, and lounge area. The second floor would offer amenities exclusively for hotel guests, such as a gym and co-working space. The development aims to infill a gap between existing tall buildings and enhance the public realm along Great Eastern Road.

The report detailed extensive consultation responses, including objections from residents of the nearby Legacy Tower concerning potential impacts on daylight, sunlight, privacy, noise, and disturbance. The applicant had submitted revised plans, including privacy screens and adjustments to the building's separation from Legacy Tower, which officers considered addressed many of the concerns.

A significant number of conditions were proposed, covering aspects such as time limits for development, approved documents, construction logistics, environmental management, and infrastructure protection. The Heads of Terms for a Section 106 agreement included contributions towards highways and sustainable transport, design monitoring, sustainability measures, and employment and training initiatives.

Unit 2, 7 Chestnut Plaza, Westfield Stratford City

The committee was also scheduled to consider a change of use application for Unit 2 at 7 Chestnut Plaza, Westfield Stratford City. The proposal sought to change the use from retail (Class E) to a theatrical and immersive entertainment and hospitality use (Sui Generis). This would involve combined performance spaces with ancillary restaurant and bar areas, and the installation of an internal mezzanine structure. The report pack indicated a recommendation for approval for this application.

The site is located within the Cherry Park Retail Box, a basement level within the Westfield Stratford City estate. The proposed use is described as a pre-booked, ticketed, actor-led theatrical experience. The applicant noted that the loss of retail floorspace at this location had been previously accepted through earlier planning permissions for an esports use.

The proposal was considered to be consistent with London Plan Policies HC5 and HC6, which support cultural venues and the night-time economy, and LLDC Local Plan Site Allocation SA3.1, which encourages a mix of town centre uses. The reuse of a vacant unit was seen as bringing economic benefits and creating jobs.

Conditions were proposed relating to time limits, approved plans, BREEAM standards, energy carbon emissions reduction, and the implementation of a Deliveries and Servicing Management Plan and an Event Management Plan. An informative regarding licensing requirements under the Licensing Act 2003 was also included.

The meeting was scheduled to be chaired by Councillor Rachel Tripp, Chair of the Strategic Development Committee. Other attendees included Councillor James Beckles, Local Development Committee Chair, and officers such as James Bolt, Development Manager, and Shirley Fortune, Principal Committees and Partnerships Officer. The meeting was scheduled to be broadcast live on www.youtube.com/LBNewham.