The Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Thursday 11 March 2021. The meeting experienced significant technical difficulties with the webcast, leading to a decision to defer agenda item 5.1, concerning planning permission and listed building consent for the Bow House and Theatre Building, one Patent Close. The committee then proceeded to agenda item 6.1, a pre-application presentation for the Exmouth Estate redevelopment.

Exmouth Estate Redevelopment (Pre-Application Presentation)

The committee received a pre-application presentation regarding the proposed redevelopment of the Exmouth Estate. This presentation, which is not a decision-making item, outlined plans for the demolition of Brayford Square and the erection of four new blocks containing new homes, community and commercial floor space, landscaping, and ancillary works. The proposal includes 229 new homes, all designated as affordable housing, with an additional 40 three-bedroom family homes. Other benefits highlighted include a new multi-use games area (MUGA), a 790 square metre performing arts centre to be run by Cardboard Citizens, and investment into the wider estate.

During the discussion, Councillor Kevin Brady raised several points of interest. He questioned the tenure split of the affordable housing, noting that the proposed 65% shared ownership intermediary might not be policy-compliant. He also expressed concerns about the long-term management and accessibility of the MUGA, emphasizing the need for conditions to ensure it remains available and affordable for residents. Councillor Brady also highlighted the importance of the George Tavern, a Grade II listed building and a live music venue, and sought assurances that the new development would not negatively impact its viability due to noise complaints from new residents. He also requested more detail on the Arts Centre, including its maintenance, ownership, and intended use.

Councillor Lima Qureshi echoed Councillor Brady's concerns regarding the tenure split and also raised the issue of the size of the proposed family homes. She highlighted the significant demand for rehousing in Tower Hamlets, particularly for larger families, and asked if the applicant could increase the number of four and five-bedroom homes.

In response, Greg Pitt from Barton-Willmore, representing the applicant, confirmed that the scheme proposes entirely affordable housing. He explained that the first 50% of the affordable housing would adhere to the council's policy, with a 70% affordable rent and 30% intermediate split. He acknowledged that the overall tenure split would require further work and discussion with officers to ensure policy compliance. Regarding the MUGA, it was stated that a Section 106 legal agreement would require a management plan and strategy, and that the facility would be free for residents to access. The proposed theatre, operated by Cardboard Citizens, was highlighted as a compatible use next to the George Tavern, with ongoing discussions to ensure the building meets their needs and allows for growth.

The applicant team confirmed that the point regarding the number of family dwellings had also been raised by the regeneration board and was being reviewed. Paul Buckingham, a council officer, summarised the key points raised, including affordable housing provision, unit sizes, the proximity of the George Tavern and the agent of change principle, the Arts Centre's operation, and the MUGA's accessibility. He noted that urban design, height, and massing had been addressed by officers and had not been a significant point of concern for the committee members. The committee was informed that an application would be submitted in due course.

Following the pre-application presentation, the committee considered whether to proceed with agenda item 5.1, given that the webcast was now functioning. However, due to the earlier technical issues and the departure of a committee member, the Chair, Councillor Abdul Murchid, decided to defer agenda item 5.1 to a future meeting to ensure transparency and public engagement. The meeting was then closed.