The Strategic Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 14 May 2024, approving a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Lea and granting planning permission for a new residential development at Caxton Hall Community Centre. The committee also agreed on a procedure for handling future planning observations for the Bishopsgate Goods Yard and a new interim delegation scheme for the London Legacy Development Corporation.

Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge Approved at Ailsa Wharf

The committee unanimously granted planning permission for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Lea at Ailsa Wharf on Lochnagar Street. The bridge will connect Tower Hamlets with the London Borough of Newham, providing strategic infrastructure to support increased residential densities in the area. Conditions were added to the approval, including requirements for a drainage strategy optimising permeable materials and a secure by design review of the bridge's seating areas. Concerns were raised regarding the minimum head height clearance for cyclists under the bridge, which was noted as 2.2 metres, and the potential for anti-social behaviour, which officers stated would be mitigated through lighting and traffic calming measures. The design of the bridge, including its orange colour, was praised, and it was noted that the project aligns with the council's commitment to promoting active travel.

Caxton Hall Community Centre Redevelopment Approved

Planning permission was granted for the demolition of the existing Caxton Hall Community Centre and ball court, and the construction of a part 7, part 9-storey building comprising 36 affordable social rent dwellings and a replacement community centre. The decision was made with a majority vote of 6 in favour, 1 against, and 2 abstentions. Significant debate surrounded the building's height, which exceeds 30 metres and falls outside designated tall building zones, and its impact on daylight and sunlight for neighbouring properties on Morville Street and Fairfield Road. Objectors argued that the height was out of keeping with the local character and caused significant harm to heritage assets and neighbouring amenity. The council's officers acknowledged the adverse impacts but concluded that the provision of 100% affordable housing, including a generous proportion of family-sized units, and improvements to Four Seasons Green, justified the departure from policy. Concerns were also raised about the loss of the existing ball court, with mitigation proposed through improvements to the Malmsbury Road multi-use games area. The consultation process and the increase in building height from an initial six storeys to nine were also points of contention.

Procedure for Bishopsgate Goods Yard Observations Agreed

The committee agreed to a procedure for handling future observations on reserve matters applications for the Bishopsgate Goods Yard. While the Mayor of London is the local planning authority for this strategic site, Tower Hamlets Council will act as a consultee. The committee resolved that it would receive reports on reserve matters applications that fall within its terms of reference to formalise the council's observations to the Greater London Authority (GLA). This approach was deemed appropriate given the previous committee's resolution to determine such applications and the high level of public interest in the site. The scope of comments will be limited to aspects such as appearance, access, landscaping, layout, and scale, as overall affordable housing and mix of uses were set at the outline planning permission stage.

Interim Delegation Scheme for LLDC Approved

The committee agreed to a proposal for an interim delegation scheme concerning planning applications submitted to the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). From 1 September 2024, three months before the LLDC's planning powers are transferred back to Tower Hamlets and other boroughs, new applications submitted to the LLDC will be delegated to Tower Hamlets for determination. This measure aims to ensure a smooth transition, allow the LLDC to focus on existing applications, and provide certainty for applicants. The scheme, which has precedent elsewhere in London, will be formally agreed by Full Council in July. The delegation is intended to be for a three-month period but could be extended if the legislative transfer of powers is delayed.