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Cabinet - Wednesday, 23rd September, 2026 3.00 p.m.
September 23, 2026 at 3:00 pm Cabinet View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Cabinet of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday 23 September 2026, approving several housing development schemes and a lease for the Town Hall. Key decisions included the appropriation of land and use of Section 203 powers for new housing developments at Cressy Place, Caxton Grove, Brunton Wharf, and Copenhagen Place, as well as approving a Pre-Construction Services Agreement for the Arnold Road development following contractor insolvency. The Cabinet also approved grant awards for the Wraparound Childcare Programme.
6th Floor of Town Hall Letting
The Cabinet granted permission for a 15-year lease of the sixth floor of the Town Hall to London's Air Ambulance Charity. This decision aims to generate income and make better use of the under-occupied building. The lease terms, including any rent-free periods and preparatory works, will be finalised by the Corporate Director of Housing & Regeneration in consultation with the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer. Concerns were raised and addressed regarding operational aspects such as access, security, and fire safety, with assurances that these would be managed within the building's operational and health and safety plans.
Housing Developments and Section 203 Powers
A series of reports detailed the appropriation of land and the use of Section 203 powers under the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to facilitate the delivery of new affordable housing schemes. These powers allow the Council to override third-party rights, such as rights to light, that could otherwise impede development, while preserving the right to statutory compensation for affected parties.
- Cressy Place: The scheme will deliver 31 new homes at Council social rent, including 18 family-sized properties, alongside a replacement community centre and public realm improvements. The appropriation of land and use of Section 203 powers were approved to support the delivery of this planning-consented development.
- Caxton Grove: This development will provide 36 homes at Council social rent, including 14 family-sized properties, and a larger replacement community centre. The appropriation of land and use of Section 203 powers were approved to enable the scheme's progression.
- Brunton Wharf: The scheme will deliver 32 homes at Council social rent, including 15 family-sized properties, along with improvements to landscaping, public realm, parking, and estate security. The appropriation of land and use of Section 203 powers were approved to facilitate this development.
- Copenhagen Place: This development will provide 18 homes at Council social rent, including nine family-sized properties and two wheelchair-accessible homes, along with landscaping improvements. The appropriation of land and use of Section 203 powers were approved to support the scheme's delivery, with a correction made to the planning permission approval date. Members discussed concerns about the loss of garages and parking, with officers outlining measures to assist residents with alternative parking arrangements and committing to an audit of garage use across the borough.
Arnold Road Development
The Cabinet approved the award of a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) to Lovell Partnerships Ltd for the Arnold Road development. This follows the insolvency of the original contractor, Jerram Falkus Construction Ltd, which left the site partially completed. The PCSA will enable detailed investigations, including validation of the reinforced concrete frame, and the development of a robust completion strategy. The Council will have the option to appoint Lovell for the main works contract following the PCSA period, or to seek an alternative contractor. Members sought and received assurances regarding contractual protections, such as parent company guarantees or performance bonds, to safeguard the Council's investment.
Wraparound Childcare Programme
The Cabinet confirmed allocations and approved funding for Phase 6 of the Wraparound Childcare Programme. This final phase will support the creation and expansion of childcare places before and after the school day, contributing to the national aim of providing accessible childcare from 8 am to 6 pm for primary school-aged children. Across all six phases, the programme will have created 913 additional places. Members welcomed the practical support for families and discussed the accessibility and inclusivity of the provision, including for children with SEND.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Brunton Wharf housing scheme
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve recommendations regarding the Brunton Wharf housing scheme on 23/09/2026. The decision authorises the Corporate Director of Housing & Regeneration to appropriate the land for planning purposes and use powers to override rights of light, and to agree settlements for any rights of light claims. This includes delegating authority to agree terms for necessary property documentation and noting that compensation payments will be met from the capital budget.
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Wraparound Childcare Programme – Grant Awards for the Creation and Expansion of Places
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve grant allocations and funding for Phase 6 of the Wraparound Childcare Programme on 23 September 2026. The decision noted the methodology for assessing applications and the equalities impact screening. The council will allocate Department for Education grant funding to providers for the expansion of childcare places.
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Caxton Grove
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve recommendations regarding the Caxton Grove development on 23rd September 2026. The Cabinet delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Housing & Regeneration and the Mayor to appropriate land for planning purposes and to agree ancillary documentation for the settlement of rights of light claims. This includes authorising the Director of Governance and Legal Services to deal with property matters necessary for the development.
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6th Floor of Town Hall Letting
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve recommendations for the letting of the 6th Floor of the Town Hall on 23 September 2026. Authority was granted for a 15-year lease to London Air Ambulance, with the Corporate Director of Housing & Regeneration delegated to conclude final negotiations and agree lease terms.
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Cressy Place
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve recommendations regarding Cressy Place on 23/09/2026. The decision allows for the appropriation of land for planning purposes and the use of Section 203 powers to override rights of light. Authority is delegated to the Corporate Director of Housing & Regeneration to agree the settlement of rights of light claims and associated fees.
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Arnold Road Development (3-5 Arnold Road) – rationale and delivery
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the award of a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) to Lovell Partnerships Ltd and a budget uplift for the Arnold Road development. This decision was made on 23 September 2026. The Cabinet approved the appointment of Lovell Partnerships Ltd under a PCSA, a budget allocation for the PCSA, and a budget uplift for completion, delegating authority to the Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration.
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Copenhagen Place Scheme
Item Called InThe Cabinet decided to approve recommendations regarding the Copenhagen Place Scheme on 23/09/2026. The Cabinet delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Housing & Regeneration to appropriate the land for planning purposes and use powers to override rights to light, and to agree settlements for rights of light claims.
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