The Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday, 12 June 2024, to discuss and decide on several planning matters. Key decisions included granting planning permission for a large-scale redevelopment of the Harriot, Apsley, and Pattison Houses estate in Stepney Green, and for a two-storey roof extension at 8 Whites Row. The committee also confirmed a Tree Preservation Order for two trees on the Dinmont Estate.

Redevelopment of Harriot, Apsley & Pattison Houses and Redcoat Community Centres, Stepney Green, London, E1

The committee granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Harriot, Apsley, and Pattison Houses estate in Stepney Green. The proposal involves the demolition of existing buildings to provide 407 new residential units and a 1,167m² community centre. This significant regeneration project aims to increase housing supply, with 53.3% of the habitable rooms designated as affordable housing. The development will re-provide 64 existing homes for social tenants and resident leaseholders, alongside 343 new homes. The design incorporates two perimeter urban blocks with central courtyards and a new public walkway, aiming to improve connectivity and amenity space. The relocation of the community centre to a standalone building was a key change from the previously approved scheme, intended to better accommodate community group usage, including a mosque, and to improve noise separation from residential areas. Councillors debated the reduction in family-sized housing units compared to the previous approval, but ultimately supported the application due to the overall increase in housing and affordable housing provision.

8 Whites Row, London, E1 7NF

Planning permission was granted for the erection of two additional storeys at roof level to the existing building at 8 Whites Row, to create a four-bedroom self-contained apartment. This decision was made despite 22 objections from residents, primarily concerning issues such as loss of privacy and daylight to neighbouring properties, inadequate refuse storage, and concerns about fire safety and access to the roof. The applicant highlighted that a similar scheme had been approved in 2021 and that the current proposal largely mirrors that permission, with adjustments made to refuse arrangements. The committee noted the concerns raised by objectors, particularly regarding fire safety and refuse collection, but ultimately granted permission, subject to conditions. The decision was influenced by the precedent of the previous approval and the assessment that the proposed development would be subservient to the host building and integrate well into the Artillery Passage Conservation Area.

Confirmation of the Dinmont Estate E2 Tree Preservation Order 2024/2

The committee unanimously voted to confirm the Dinmont Estate Tree Preservation Order (TPO) 2024/2, protecting a London plane (T1) and a Whitebeam (T2) tree. Tower Hamlets Community Housing (THCH), the landowner, had objected to the TPO, arguing that the removal of the trees could be mitigated by replacement planting and that their amenity value was not sufficient to warrant protection. THCH also highlighted the importance of delivering affordable housing on the estate. However, council officers presented evidence from arboricultural assessments (TEMPO scores) indicating that both trees have significant amenity value and are highly visible from the public highway. The officers argued that the TPO is expedient due to the foreseeable threat posed by development proposals and that it provides long-term protection beyond the planning application process. The committee agreed with the officers' recommendation to confirm the TPO, recognising the trees' contribution to the local environment.