The Strategic Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday 16 February 2022 to discuss a significant planning application for Ensign House and a pre-application for a new business school at Queen Mary University of London. The committee resolved to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of Ensign House, subject to conditions and planning obligations, and received a pre-application presentation for the Queen Mary University of London project.

Ensign House Redevelopment

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of the existing Ensign House at 17 Admiral's Way, Isle of Dogs and its redevelopment into a 205-metre tall building, with a spire reaching 230 metres. The development will provide 500 residential units, including 35% affordable housing, and three commercial units. The scheme also includes public realm improvements and a new pocket park.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Andrew Wood regarding the strain on local infrastructure, including water supply, electricity, and public transport, and the lack of progress on promised infrastructure projects outlined in the Isle of Dogs and South Poplar Development Infrastructure Funding Study. He also highlighted the policy non-compliance regarding disabled car parking provision. Councillor Val Whitehead questioned the energy usage and carbon offsetting, and the management of noise insulation due to the proximity of the DLR. Councillor David Edgar sought clarification on the carbon dioxide emissions reduction figures and the impact on heritage assets.

The applicant, FEC, represented by John Connolly, Head of UK Development, emphasised their commitment to the local community, highlighting the provision of 500 new homes, 35% affordable housing, and job creation. They also addressed fire safety concerns, stating that the London Fire Brigade was consulted and satisfied with the proposals.

The committee discussed the issue of poor doors, with Councillor Whitehead and Councillor Edgar expressing frustration that social landlords often resist shared entrances. While officers noted that the planning system cannot dictate who uses additional amenity spaces if there is a charge, they agreed to explore conditions to ensure visual equality and accessibility of entrances.

The committee also debated the shortfall in children's play space, with officers recommending a £70,000 contribution towards off-site play space enhancement. Concerns were also raised about the limited greenery in the proposed pocket park, with a commitment to seek further soft landscaping enhancements through a condition.

Ultimately, the committee voted seven in favour and one against to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and planning obligations, including detailed wording on the ground floor lobby layout, a place-based management plan, a meanwhile uses strategy, and home quality mark accreditation.

Queen Mary University of London New Business School (Pre-Application)

The committee received a pre-application presentation for a new School of Business and Management at Queen Mary University of London, located at the former Hatton House site within the Regent's Canal Conservation Area. This revised proposal follows a previous refusal in 2019. The new scheme is one storey lower than the previous proposal, standing at less than 30 metres in height, and retains the locally listed building at 357 Mile End Road, incorporating public services within it. The design includes significant landscape enhancements, remodelling of 357 Mile End Road to house the university's Legal Advice Centre, and refurbishment of the Lock Keepers Cottage to include a cafe.

Councillor Kevin Brady, Chair of the committee, expressed satisfaction with the revised design, noting its improved sympathy to the heritage assets and the recognition of the university's importance to the borough. Councillor Val Whitehead raised concerns about the consultation process, with some local organisations feeling they were not adequately informed. John Green Shields from Canada, who led the consultation, provided an update on the outreach efforts, including flyers, social media advertising, and website visits.

Questions were raised regarding the materiality of the building, the extent of greenery and landscaping, the justification for the massing and scale of the development, and the capacity of the proposed cafe. The developers, represented by Ian McManus, Director of Estates, Facilities and Capital Development at Queen Mary University of London, explained that the new building is necessary to accommodate the school's growth and to provide high-quality teaching and study spaces. They also addressed concerns about the roof extension to 357 Mile End Road, stating that it is designed to contrast with the host building and provide necessary space for the Legal Advice Centre.

The committee also discussed the potential use of the vacant Guardian Angels church, with the university stating that while they explored its use, the building's structure and lack of modern facilities made it difficult to adapt. The developers confirmed that the proposed cafe would offer a grab and go service, supplementing other campus cafes.

The committee noted the points raised and indicated that further work would be undertaken on materiality, landscaping, consultation, the 357 Mile End Road extension, and the justification for the floor space.