This week in Tower Hamlets:

Teviot Estate Redevelopment Approved Amid Resident Concerns

The Strategic Development Committee has approved a controversial planning application for the redevelopment of the Teviot Estate in Poplar, paving the way for up to 1,928 new homes. The decision, made at a meeting this week, followed passionate objections from residents who fear the scale and density of the project will overwhelm the community.

• Hybrid Application: The approved plan is a hybrid application, meaning that phase one is in detail and future phases are in outline. Phase 1a will deliver 475 units, with buildings ranging from 2 to 30 storeys across the entire development.
• Affordable Housing Debate: While the development promises a net gain of 150 affordable homes, critics argue that the increase in private housing far outpaces affordable options, potentially eroding affordability in the area. Akla Su Rahman, speaking on behalf of residents, stated:

Tonight, I'm asking you not just to review an application, but to defend the integrity of the community-led regeneration.

• Density and Infrastructure Concerns: Objectors also raised concerns about the excessive density of the development and its impact on local services like schools, GPs, and parks. Sheila Snoody, a resident, voiced fears that the area could not support the influx of new residents.
• Community Support: Supporters, including Babu Bahachariji from Poplahaka and Emran Ali from the Tevye Mosque, emphasized the community's involvement in shaping the proposals and the benefits of the new community facilities.
• Committee Vote: Despite the objections, the committee voted 8-0 in favor of granting planning permission, with one abstention, subject to conditions and planning obligations.
• Officer Response: Officers acknowledged the concerns but argued that the public benefits of the proposal, including new homes and community facilities, outweighed the harm to heritage assets and potential daylight/sunlight impacts.
• Right to Return Assurances: In response to resident concerns, the applicant assured that they would uphold their promise for residents to return to the estate.

This decision is significant because it represents a major shift in the landscape of the Teviot Estate and raises important questions about the balance between regeneration, affordable housing, and community needs. The long-term impact on existing residents and the surrounding area remains to be seen.

Standards Committee Tackles Conduct and Improvement

The Standards Advisory Committee convened to discuss a range of issues, including the council's Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP), member attendance, and the code of conduct. The meeting, which was broadcast on the council's website, focused on ensuring ethical governance and addressing areas for improvement.

• Continuous Improvement Plan: The committee discussed the council's CIP, which addresses issues identified in the Best Value Inspection and subsequent statutory support package from the government. A key component is a political mentoring program aimed at establishing clear expectations for member behavior and providing support for behavioral change.
• Member Attendance: The committee reviewed member and co-optee attendance at formal council and committee meetings, noting that all Standards Advisory Committee co-opted members attended at least half of the committee meetings in person, as required by the constitution.
• Code of Conduct Complaints: The committee received a report on members' code of conduct matters, noting 11 new complaints of alleged breach of the code since the last report on 3 April 2025.
• Register of Interests: The committee received an update on the registration of interests, gifts and hospitality, noting declarations from Councillors Nathalie Bienfait and Abdi Mohamed for free tickets to the LIDO festival.

These discussions are crucial because they underpin the council's commitment to ethical governance, transparency, and accountability. The focus on continuous improvement aims to ensure that the council operates effectively and serves the best interests of its residents.

Grants Sub-Committee Meeting Postponed

The Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for July 9th was postponed. The meeting was set to discuss grant awards for the Wraparound Childcare Programme, funding allocations for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF), and performance reports for the Mayor's Community Grant Programme (MCGP) and Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS).

Other Matters

• The Employee Appeals Sub Committee met to hear an appeal against employee dismissal. No video was provided. Employee Appeals Sub Committee

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee - July 15, 2025 - Social Landlord Performance, Regulator of Social Housing Report
• Council - July 16, 2025 - Corporate Parenting Board Annual Report, Continuous Improvement Journey, Petitions and Motions
• Licensing Sub Committee - July 17, 2025 - Premises Licence Applications
• Overview & Scrutiny Committee - July 21, 2025 - Strategic Delivery and Performance Report, Strategic Vision 2035, Overview & Scrutiny Work Programme 2025/26
• Pensions Committee - July 21, 2025
• Licensing Sub Committee - July 22, 2025
• Cabinet - July 23, 2025
• King George's Field Charity Board - July 23, 2025
• Development Committee - July 24, 2025

This week in Tower Hamlets:

Fabwick Licence Sparks Debate Over Noise and Compliance

The Licensing Sub Committee convened this week to consider an application for a new premises licence for Fabwick, a venue in Queen's Yard, Hackney Wick. The meeting, which was broadcast on the council's website, saw heated discussion over noise concerns and the applicant's history of adhering to licensing conditions.

• Applicant's Vision: UKFULLDEPO LTD, the applicant, sought permission to operate Fabwick as a community bar with extended hours, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshments.
• Licensing Authority's Concerns: The Licensing Authority objected, citing a history of breaches of existing licence conditions and concerns about noise impact on nearby residents, particularly in light of new residential developments.
• Noise Report Dispute: A key point of contention was the submission of an outdated noise impact report, leading to confusion and requiring a brief adjournment.
• Police Withdrawal: While the Metropolitan Police had initially objected, they later withdrew their representation after agreeing to a set of conditions with the applicant.
• Breach Allegations: Despite the police withdrawal, the Licensing Authority presented evidence of alleged breaches of existing licence conditions, including serving alcohol to patrons not seated at tables and exceeding permitted hours.
• Applicant's Response: The applicant acknowledged past breaches but argued they had taken steps to ensure future compliance and that the police withdrawal demonstrated confidence in their ability to operate responsibly.
• First Floor Concerns: The Licensing Authority raised concerns about the use of the first floor, which planning regulations may restrict to office space.
• Capacity Reduction: The applicant agreed to reduce the venue's capacity to 300 patrons plus 20 staff if the first floor was prohibited from licensable activities.

The decision is significant because it highlights the challenges of balancing the needs of businesses with the concerns of residents in a rapidly developing area. The outcome will determine whether Fabwick can operate as a community bar and the extent to which the council can ensure compliance with licensing conditions.

As Councillor Peter Golds, Chair of the Licensing Committee, put it:

How can you assure us that you will at last observe all the conditions because you've got a record of not observing conditions?

The Sub-Committee will deliberate in a private session and communicate the decision within five working days.

Feast Express Licence Bid Faces Cumulative Impact Zone Hurdle

The Licensing Sub Committee also considered an application for a new premises licence for Feast Express, a takeaway at 103 Whitechapel Road. The meeting was broadcast on the council's website.

• Late-Night Refreshments: Shariful Islam, the applicant, sought permission for the provision of late-night refreshment.
• Licensing Authority's Objection: The Licensing Authority objected, citing the location within the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) and previous instances of operating without a licence.
• Breach History: The Licensing Authority stated that officers had visited the premises on two occasions and found them to be operating without a licence.
• Applicant's Defence: The applicant argued that they were committed to complying with licensing conditions and that the business would provide a community service by catering to shift workers and emergency staff.
• Police and Environmental Protection Agreement: The police and Environmental Protection had agreed to a set of conditions with the applicant, including measures to prevent crime and disorder, and to promote public safety.
• CIZ Challenge: The applicant argued that the premises was located on the eastern edge of the CIZ and would not contribute to alcohol-related disorder.

This decision is important because it tests the council's policy on granting new licences within Cumulative Impact Zones. The outcome will determine whether Feast Express can operate with extended hours and the extent to which the council prioritizes the prevention of crime and disorder in the Brick Lane area.

The Sub-Committee will deliberate in a private session and communicate the decision within five working days.

Pension Board Reviews Risk and Investment Strategies

The Tower Hamlets Pension Board met to discuss key reports and updates, including the terms of reference, the annual report, a pension administration report, and the risk register. The meeting was broadcast on the council's website.

• Vice-Chair Appointment: David Stephen Thompson was re-appointed as vice-chair of the board.
• Pension Administration Concerns: The board discussed the increase in general correspondence and benefit revision cases, noting that outstanding cases were falling further behind the SIPFA benchmark.
• Cyber Risk: John Gray raised concerns about cyber risk, given recent events affecting Marks and Spencer and the Co-operative Group, and asked if the council's IT department could provide reports on their testing and handling of cyber security.
• Investment Strategy: The board discussed the government's response to the 'Fit for the Future' consultation and the LGPS 'Access and Fairness' Consultation, focusing on the implications for local investment and asset allocation.
• Local Investment Ambition: David Stephen Thompson asked what 'local' meant in the context of the published local investment ambition, and whether the fund was familiar with the proportion of the fund already invested in the UK.

These discussions are crucial because they affect the financial security of current and future pensioners in Tower Hamlets. The board's oversight of risk management and investment strategies aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pension fund.

Other Matters

• The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met, but no video was provided. Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE)
• The Employee Appeals Sub Committee meeting was postponed. Employee Appeals Sub Committee
• The Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board meeting was cancelled. Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Employee Appeals Sub Committee - July 7, 2025 - Appeal against employee dismissal
• Strategic Development Committee - July 8, 2025 - Teviot Estate Redevelopment, Committee Terms of Reference
• Employee Appeals Sub Committee - July 8, 2025
• Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - July 9, 2025 - Grant Awards for Childcare and Holiday Activities
• Standards Advisory Committee - July 10, 2025 - Terms of Reference, Register of Interests, Annual Report
• Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee - July 15, 2025
• Council - July 16, 2025
• Licensing Sub Committee - July 17, 2025

This week in Tower Hamlets:

Albert Jacob House Redevelopment Faces Scrutiny

The Development Committee was scheduled to meet this week to discuss a planning application for the demolition of Albert Jacob House and its redevelopment into a mixed-use building. The meeting was scheduled to be broadcast live on the council's website, but no video was provided.

• Affordable Housing at Stake: The proposed development aims to provide 53 affordable residential units, split evenly between London Affordable Rent and Tower Hamlets Living Rent, alongside commercial units.
• Heritage Concerns: The development site is near the Globe Road Conservation Area and listed buildings like the London Buddhist Centre and Sulkin House, raising concerns about the impact on the area's heritage.
• Mixed Public Reaction: While some support the redevelopment, citing the need for affordable housing, others object due to concerns about the height of the building and the impact on the surrounding area.
• Officer Recommendation: The planning officer's summary recommendation was to grant planning permission with conditions and planning obligations.

This decision is significant because it balances the need for affordable housing with the preservation of local heritage and the concerns of residents. The outcome could set a precedent for future developments in conservation areas.

Other Matters

The Development Committee was also scheduled to:

• Elect a Vice-Chair for the committee for the municipal year 2025-26.
• Confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 26 April 2025.
• Note the recommendations and procedure for hearing objections and meeting guidance.
• Note the Development Committee terms of reference, quorum, membership and dates of meetings for 2025/2026, and determine the preferred start time for scheduled meetings.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Pension Board - June 30, 2025 - Government Response to LGPS Consultation, Annual Report
• Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) - June 30, 2025
• Licensing Sub Committee - July 1, 2025 - Premises Licence Applications
• Employee Appeals Sub Committee - July 7, 2025 - Appeal against employee dismissal
• Strategic Development Committee - July 8, 2025
• Employee Appeals Sub Committee - July 8, 2025
• Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - July 9, 2025
• Standards Advisory Committee - July 10, 2025

This week in Tower Hamlets:

Rough Sleeper Services Face Uncertainty Amid Funding Concerns

Tower Hamlets Cabinet approved the procurement of a four-year framework to deliver specialist services to support people rough sleeping in the borough. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting this week, but not without significant discussion about the security of funding.

• Framework Approved: The framework aims to provide specialist support to help end rough sleeping in Tower Hamlets.
• Funding Concerns: The report indicated that £2.76 million would come from general funds, with £6.52 million from anticipated grant funding.
• Councillor Intervention: Councillors expressed concern that the report did not clearly state that the contract was dependent on securing grant funding each year.
• Amended Recommendation: The Cabinet agreed to amend the recommendation to explicitly state that the contract would be awarded on a 1+1+1+1 basis, subject to funding being available each year.
• Mayor's Assurance: Mayor Lutfur Rahman assured the Cabinet that the intention was always for the contract to be dependent on funding, and that the amendment was to provide greater clarity and protect the council from entering into a commitment without the necessary resources.

This decision is crucial because it affects the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in Tower Hamlets. The explicit link to funding aims to ensure that the council can deliver these vital services sustainably, but also raises concerns about the long-term security of support for rough sleepers.

Virginia Primary School to Become an Academy

The Cabinet noted the decision of the Secretary of State for Education to approve the application from the Governing Body of Virginia Community Primary School to convert to academy status. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting this week.

• Statutory Duty: Steve Reddy, Corporate Director, Children's Services, explained that the council has a statutory duty under the Academies Act 2010 to facilitate the conversion process. [^1]: The Academies Act 2010 is a UK law that allows state schools in England to become academies, which are independent of local authority control.
• Lease Agreement: The council will lease the school site to the LETTA trust for 125 years at a nominal rent, ensuring the land remains dedicated to educational use.
• Councillor Concerns: Councillor Sabina Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, asked how the transition process can be made more smooth and what kind of collaboration work with all the stakeholders in terms of the staff, the contract, the services.
• Council's Position: Mayor Rahman stated his support for community schools rather than academies, but acknowledged that the council had no choice in this matter due to the academy order.

This decision is significant because it marks a shift in the governance of Virginia Primary School, moving it outside of direct local authority control. While the council is legally obligated to facilitate the conversion, concerns remain about the potential impact on the school's relationship with the local community and the quality of education provided.

Employee Dismissal Appeal Heard Behind Closed Doors

The Employee Appeals Sub Committee convened to discuss an appeal against an employee dismissal. The meeting took place this week, but no video was provided.

• Confidentiality: The press and public were excluded from the majority of the meeting due to the confidential nature of the information to be discussed, citing Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985.
• Appeal Grounds: The appeal was expected to be considered on the grounds of procedure, facts, and decision.

This process is important because it ensures that employees have the right to appeal disciplinary actions taken against them. However, the lack of transparency raises concerns about accountability and public scrutiny of the council's employment practices.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet approved new design guidelines for mansard roof extensions in conservation areas, aiming to balance residents' needs for more space with the preservation of historic character. Cabinet Meeting
• The Cabinet approved the proposed 2025/26 corporate performance measures and associated targets. Cabinet Meeting
• The Cabinet authorised the Corporate Director, Children’s Services to extend the existing 0-5 Public Health Contract for a period of six months. Cabinet Meeting
• The Cabinet agreed to make direct awards to cover the interim arrangements with incumbent domiciliary care service suppliers B to E but not supplier A. Cabinet Meeting
• The General Purposes Committee elected Councillor Abdul Wahid as Vice-Chair and approved local authority governor appointments. General Purposes Committee
• The Licensing Sub Committee convened to review applications for new premise licences for Asia Villa and Fomo Studio. Licensing Sub Committee

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Development Committee - June 26, 2025 - Planning Application for Albert Jacob House, Committee Terms of Reference
• Pension Board - June 30, 2025 - Government Response to LGPS Consultation, Annual Report
• Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) - June 30, 2025
• Licensing Sub Committee - July 1, 2025 - Premises Licence Applications
• Strategic Development Committee - July 2, 2025