The Strategic Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Thursday 19 February 2009, approving significant planning applications for the Bede Estate and a major development south of Westferry Circus and west of Westferry Road. The committee also approved an updated project list for the Bishop's Square S106 Planning Obligations Programme and corrected minutes regarding the S106 Agreement for the St Georges Estate.

Planning Applications for Decision

The Bede Estate, Bow Common Lane

Planning permission was granted for the refurbishment of existing dwellings on the Bede Estate, along with the demolition of ten bed-sit units in Pickard House and office accommodation on Wager Street. The decision allows for the erection of 24 buildings providing 236 residential units, with a maximum height of 8 storeys, a new community centre, and retail and storage floorspace. An estate-wide landscaping scheme will also be introduced. This decision was made on a vote of 4 for, 4 against, and 1 abstention, with the Chair's casting vote deciding the outcome. Objections were raised by neighbouring residents Mr Stewart Rayment and Ms Lynette Smith, as well as Ward Member Councillor Ahmed Hussain. The applicant was represented by Mr Steve Inkpen.

Site south of Westferry Circus and west of Westferry Road, London

The committee unanimously granted planning permission for a substantial development comprising Class B1 office buildings in two towers, reaching maximum heights of 241.1m and 191.34m, linked by a lower central building of 80.05m. The development includes ancillary parking, service and access roads, public open space, a riverside walkway, landscaping with public art, and other ancillary works. Permission was also granted for a pedestrian bridge over Westferry Road with access, and alterations to the highway, including new signalling and pedestrian crossings at Westferry Road and Heron Quays roundabout. This decision was subject to a legal agreement and conditions outlined in the report.

443-451 Westferry Road, E14

A decision on the application for 443-451 Westferry Road, E14, was deferred for consideration at the next meeting. This deferral was to allow for further information to be provided on the application of the financial viability toolkit. The decision was made on a vote of 8 for and 1 abstention. Numerous objections were heard from neighbouring residents Ms Gill Crawford and Mr Eddy Marshall, as well as Ward Members Councillor Phil Briscoe, Councillor Shirley Houghton, Councillor David Snowden, Councillor Peter Golds, and Councillor Rupert Eckhardt. The applicant was represented by Mr Aziz Choudhury and Mr Jim Pool. The meeting was extended by 30 minutes to allow for the completion of business.

The City Pride Public House, 15 Westferry Road, E14

This item was withdrawn from the agenda due to its link with the deferment of agenda item 7.3, specifically concerning affordable housing provision. Mr Michael Kiely, Service Head, Development Control and Building Control, indicated the withdrawal.

Other Planning Matters

Update Report: The Bishop's Square S106 Planning Obligations Programme

The committee approved an amended project list for the Bishop's Square S106 Planning Obligations Programme. The Corporate Director of Development and Renewal was authorised to further amend project allocations during delivery if it proves expedient for overall scheme outputs. This includes identifying new projects in discussion with the Chair of the Committee and the Leader of the Council, should the revised programme not be deliverable, always subject to the terms of the S106 agreement. This decision was made on a vote of 7 for and 2 abstentions.

S106 Agreement - St Georges Estate

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 August 2008 were corrected to reflect that planning permission for the St Georges Estate was granted subject to the prior completion of a legal agreement. This agreement secures several planning obligations, including 35% affordable housing by habitable rooms, contributions totalling £262,941 for healthcare facilities and £296,208 for education facilities, and £806,677 for a new community centre. Additionally, £10.155 million is allocated for upgrading existing units to decent home standards. Other obligations include the preparation of a Green Travel Plan, a car-free agreement restricting residents of new build units from applying for parking permits, a car club scheme, and commitments to employment initiatives for local residents. This decision was made on a vote of 8 for and 1 abstention.