The Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Monday 21 March 2022, resolving to grant planning permission for two significant development projects. The committee approved the redevelopment of Walker House, including a change of use and new office space, and the regeneration of the Police Use Estate on Stepney Way, which will provide 412 new residential homes and community facilities.

Redevelopment of Walker House, Boundary Street

The committee granted planning permission for the redevelopment of Walker House at 6-8 Boundary Street. The approved plans include a change of use of the first-floor office space to four residential units and the construction of a two-storey building to the rear to provide office space. This decision followed a site visit by committee members after the application was deferred at a previous meeting.

Concerns raised by residents regarding overlooking and light pollution were addressed through proposed amendments. The separation distance between the proposed office extension and the neighbouring War Grave House was clarified, with officers deeming the 12-meter distance acceptable due to the site's topography and existing ivy growth. Furthermore, the applicant agreed to obscure glaze and make unopenable the windows along the south elevation facing War Grave House. To mitigate light pollution from roof windows, an automated blind system will be installed. A condition has also been added to secure a root protection plan for the existing ivy growth.

Despite some councillors expressing reservations about the development's scale and its impact on the conservation area, the majority vote favoured granting permission, with officers concluding that the proposals, along with the proposed conditions, appropriately addressed previous concerns and presented less than substantial harm to the conservation area, which would be outweighed by public benefits.

Regeneration of the Police Use Estate, Stepney Way

The committee unanimously granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Police Use Estate on Stepney Way, which will involve the demolition of existing residential and community buildings to create 412 new residential homes and 1,192 square meters of community floor space. The development will comprise three buildings ranging in height from four to eight storeys.

The proposal received widespread support from residents, with 98% voting in favour of the regeneration plans in a ballot, based on a 93% turnout. Objections from residents primarily focused on impacts on neighbouring amenity, stress on existing parking, and concerns about light and ventilation in the community space. Supporters highlighted the poor condition of existing homes and the need for new housing.

The development will include two perimeter urban blocks around central courtyards, with a new inner street accessible to emergency and surfacing vehicles. While the quantum of landscaped open space will be reduced, it will still exceed policy requirements. The scheme will provide 70 re-provided affordable homes for existing residents, along with an additional 110 affordable units, exceeding the council's policy requirement for affordable rented housing.

During the discussion, councillors raised questions about electric vehicle charging points, with a proposal to increase the provision beyond the policy requirement of 20% being discussed. While an initial proposal for 50% was not seconded due to potential difficulties for the applicant, the committee agreed to add an informative regarding electric vehicle charging. Concerns were also raised about the loss of trees, but officers confirmed that 118 semi-mature trees would be planted, resulting in a net gain. The permit transfer scheme for parking was clarified, with existing residents retaining their rights. The status of the landlord offer document was confirmed as a legally binding commitment, particularly in relation to the Mayor of London's requirements.

The community space within the development has been designed to accommodate a place of worship, with conditions to control amplified noise and an hours of use condition to allow for flexibility, particularly during prayer times. Councillors acknowledged the environmental impact of demolition but noted that the new build would offer significant carbon emission reductions and improved thermal performance compared to refurbishment. The committee ultimately voted to grant planning permission, with an additional informative concerning electric vehicle charging.

The meeting marked the final Development Committee meeting for Councillor Abdul Mukit MBE, Councillor Kevin Brady, Councillor Dan Tomlinson, and Councillor Leema Qureshi, who were thanked for their service.