The Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Thursday 3 October 2024, where they discussed a significant planning application for Montgomerie Square, Montgomerie Street, and Water Street. The committee ultimately voted to refuse planning permission for the proposed development, going against the officer's recommendation to grant it.

Planning Application for Montgomerie Square, Montgomerie Street & Water Street

The committee considered a planning application for Montgomerie Square, Montgomerie Street, and Water Street, London, E14. The proposal included the removal of existing permanent structures, alterations to landscaping, the provision of hard and soft landscaping, public realm improvements, a flexible event space, a retail pavilion, and associated works. It also involved road amendments to Upper Bank Street and Montgomerie Street, and enhancements to Water Street to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

The officer's recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and planning obligations. However, after considerable debate, the committee voted to refuse the application. The reasons for refusal centred on the perceived negative impacts of the proposed road closure on Water Street, specifically concerning local businesses, traffic congestion, and the accessibility for residents entering and exiting the estate.

During the discussion, it was noted that the majority of the 193 objections received were from customers of a business operating within Montgomerie Square, relating to the loss of that business. While officers acknowledged this concern, they stated that the planning regulations do not control the occupier of a building, but rather the use of the land itself. The applicant had provided information that the business had been re-accommodated in a new commercial unit on Water Street.

Concerns were also raised by councillors regarding the impact of the road closure on traffic. While the council's highways officers had not raised objections to the proposals, some councillors felt that closing Water Street would have a significant impact on traffic flow and accessibility within the estate. Councillor Mufeedah Bustin expressed her reservations, stating, I've been there and there's always so much traffic, having another road closed would be a major impact, I think, and also, there is a lot of objection, so I feel like I'm with the objectors on this one, to be fair.

Councillor Mohammad Chowdhury also voiced concerns about the financial benefits of the development in relation to Section 106 contributions, stating, I have two reservations on this, which is, one is about the value of the development will bring on that particular site and the profit will generate from that particular building, which does not really match Section 106 and other things.

The applicant, represented by Nicholas Pelling, Case Officer, and Paul Beckenham, Head of Development Management Planning and Building Control, explained that the proposals were part of a wider strategy by Canary Wharf to introduce more ecology and greening into the estate and to create a more welcoming atmosphere. They argued that the road closure on Water Street would make the area a more successful public space, greener, and more pedestrian-friendly, aligning with their long-term vision for Canary Wharf. They also highlighted that the closure of Water Street would only occur once alternative two-way traffic routes, including an improved access via Charter Street, were open.

Despite the officers' reassurances and the applicant's explanations, the committee ultimately voted 5-2 against the officer's recommendation. Councillor Iqbal Hossain, Chair of the Development Committee, noted the split and initially suggested a site visit, but several members indicated they were familiar with the area and did not feel it was necessary. The final decision was to refuse planning permission.