The Strategic Development Committee of Newham Council met on Tuesday 28 April 2026 to discuss several planning applications. The committee resolved to approve four planning applications: the mixed-use development at Land at Knights Road, Silvertown; the residential development at Land at 10 to 11 Brunel Street and 36 to 48 Shirley Street, Canning Town; the expansion of the Holiday Inn Express, Silvertown Way; and the residential development at 1 Stansfeld Road, Beckton.

Land at Knights Road, Silvertown

The committee approved a hybrid planning application for a mixed-use development at Land at Knights Road, Silvertown. The development will involve the demolition of existing structures to create up to 1,667 residential units, alongside commercial, light industrial, and community spaces. A significant aspect of the approval was the commitment to deliver 153 affordable homes, all of a social rental tenure, and substantial contributions towards local employment and infrastructure, including £3.8 million towards public transport improvements and £1 million towards enhancements at Lyle Park. Concerns were raised regarding the transition between industrial and residential uses, with a Section 106 obligation requiring the delivery of an industrial buffer zone before the occupation of the detailed component of the development. The committee also noted the potential for archaeological remains on the site, with conditions requiring a written scheme of investigation and public engagement.

Land at 10 to 11 Brunel Street and 36 to 48 Shirley Street, Canning Town

Permission was granted for a phased residential development at Land at 10 to 11 Brunel Street and 36 to 48 Shirley Street, Canning Town. The scheme will deliver 176 residential units across three blocks, with 35% designated as affordable housing, comprising 41 social rent units and 21 intermediate units. The development will also include wider public realm improvements. Concerns were raised about the shortfall in on-site play space, with a financial contribution secured towards improvements at Kier Hardie Park. The committee also discussed the transport implications, agreeing to a £31,000 contribution towards TfL for station improvements, prioritising local highway improvements over a requested crossing on Silvertown Way due to viability concerns.

Holiday Inn Express, Silvertown Way

The committee approved the partial demolition, external upgrade, and extension of the Holiday Inn Express, Silvertown Way. The proposal will add 153 new hotel bedrooms, bringing the total to 273, and enhance ancillary facilities. The development aims to meet existing demand and contribute to the vitality of Canning Town District Centre. The design was praised for its quality and positive contribution to the street scene, with conditions attached to ensure material specifications are approved. The scheme will also deliver significant biodiversity net gain and incorporates energy-efficient technologies. A financial contribution of £250,000 was requested by TfL for station improvements, but the applicant offered £31,000, which was accepted by officers due to viability concerns impacting affordable housing levels.

1 Stansfeld Road, Beckton

Permission was granted for the demolition of the existing structure and redevelopment of 1 Stansfeld Road, Beckton, to provide 79 residential units in four blocks ranging from four to six storeys. The development will be car-free, with provision for blue badge parking and cycle storage. A significant point of discussion was the absence of on-site affordable housing, with the applicant providing a viability assessment indicating a deficit. However, a financial contribution of £150,000 towards off-site affordable housing was secured through a Section 106 agreement, along with early and late-stage viability review mechanisms. The design was considered acceptable, though concerns were raised about its architectural narrative and landscape proposals.

The meeting also included discussions on the Design Review Panel's feedback, the provision of play spaces, and the overall housing mix and affordability across the borough. The committee noted the departure from the London Plan's 50% affordable housing target in some instances due to viability assessments, but stressed the importance of securing contributions and review mechanisms to maximise affordable housing delivery.

The next meeting of the Strategic Development Committee was provisionally scheduled for 23 June 2025. The committee also took the opportunity to thank Councillor Terry Paul and Councillor Alan Griffiths for their service to the committee.