The Strategic Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday, 3 April 2024, to discuss a major planning application for the former News International site and a pre-application for Orchard Wharf. The committee unanimously granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the former News International site, which will deliver 547 new homes, including a significant proportion of affordable housing. The committee also received a pre-application presentation for Orchard Wharf, a mixed-use development proposed for a safeguarded wharf site.

Former News International Site Redevelopment Approved

The committee granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the former News International site at 1 Virginia Street, London E98 1XY. The development will comprise two buildings, providing 547 new homes, flexible commercial space, and associated works. A key aspect of the approval is the provision of 43% affordable housing, equating to 227 homes, which significantly exceeds the policy requirement of 35%. This includes 127 affordable rented homes and 100 intermediate dwellings. The scheme also incorporates 10% wheelchair-accessible dwellings.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns about the provision of private versus public amenity spaces, with officers clarifying that while specific water gardens and roof terraces would be private, the quayside, promenade, garden square, and play mews areas would be open to the public. The permeability of the site was also discussed, with assurances that new routes would improve public access, including a future connection to the ornamental canal. The issue of noise from the nearby E1 nightclub was addressed, with officers confirming that sufficient insulation, glazing, and mechanical ventilation would be incorporated into the new buildings to mitigate noise impacts. The committee also noted that the Mayor of London's Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contribution would be used to fund Crossrail costs, and funding had been secured for a canal walkway.

The committee unanimously voted to grant planning permission, subject to referral to the Mayor of London, the finalisation of a Section 106 agreement, and the inclusion of specific conditions, including the removal of permitted development rights for boundary treatments and fences. Confirmation from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regarding fire tender access was also required before the final decision notice could be issued.

Orchard Wharf Pre-Application Presented

The committee also received a pre-application presentation for a proposed mixed-use development at Orchard Wharf, Orchard Place, London, E14 0JY. The scheme aims to reactivate a safeguarded wharf for logistics use, while also providing 1,365 student rooms and 208 affordable homes.

William Poole, architect from Howells, presented the scheme, highlighting its focus on sustainability, connectivity, and mixed-use diversity. The safeguarded wharf is intended to function as a last mile logistics hub, utilising river freight and low-energy vehicles for distribution. The development also includes plans for improved pedestrian and cycle connectivity to surrounding areas, including Canning Town and the East India Dock Basin.

Councillors raised several points during the discussion, including concerns about wind impact around the tall buildings, the usability of public spaces, and the interaction between the residential areas and the logistics wharf, particularly regarding noise and traffic. Officers and the applicant team explained that initial wind testing had been conducted and mitigation measures, including landscape features and a protective canopy, would be implemented. They also confirmed that Thames Clippers had been appointed as the operator for the wharf with a 30-year lease, which would provide greater certainty regarding traffic impacts. The creation of approximately 120 jobs was anticipated.

Discussions also touched upon the need for student housing in the borough, the commercial assessment for the logistics wharf, and the provision of public amenities such as cafes and retail spaces. The committee noted the ongoing discussions regarding pedestrian routes from the East India Dock DLR and the need for desilting of the East India Dock Basin. The pre-application presentation provided an opportunity for the committee to understand the proposals before a formal planning application is submitted.