The Strategic Development Committee met to discuss several agenda items, with the main focus being the planning application for the redevelopment of the Teviot Estate. After hearing objections and support, the committee voted to grant planning permission for the application, subject to conditions and planning obligations. Councillor Lillou Ahmed was also elected as Vice-Chair of the committee.

Appointment of Vice-Chair

Councillor Iqbal Hossain was nominated as Vice-Chair, but Councillor Lillou Ahmed was elected to the position.

Strategic Development Committee Terms of Reference, Quorum, Membership & Dates of 2025/26 Meetings

The committee agreed the Strategic Development Committee Terms of Reference, Quorum, Membership & Dates of 2025/26 Meetings.

Planning Application: Teviot Estate

The committee considered planning application PA/24/00922 for the Teviot Estate. Paul Beckenham, Head of Development, Management, Planning and Building Control, introduced the application as a hybrid, with detailed plans for phase one and outline plans for future phases. The proposal includes phased demolition of existing buildings, construction of residential units, commercial space, landscaping, and highway alterations. The recommendation was to grant planning permission subject to conditions and planning obligations.

Nelupa Malik, planning case officer, presented the details of the application, highlighting that the development would deliver up to 1,928 units, with 475 units in phase 1a. The development includes buildings ranging from 2 to 30 storeys. She noted key themes of support, including the provision of new and affordable housing, and objections related to townscape, heritage impacts, and transport. Malik explained that the scheme complies with estate regeneration policies, ensuring no net loss of affordable housing and maximising affordable housing provision. The scheme provides 35% affordable housing based on habitable rooms, supported by viability testing.

Akla Su Rahman spoke on behalf of residents, raising concerns about inadequate consultation, the scale and density of the development, and the balance between affordable and private housing. Sheila Snoody, another resident, echoed concerns about density and the lack of consideration for residents' views.

Dan Massey of Hill Group, Babu Bahachariji of Poplahaka, Emran Ali from Tevye British Bangladeshi Association, and Chrissy Townsend from TAG spoke in support of the application, emphasising community involvement and the benefits of the regeneration, including the new mosque.

During the discussion, Councillor Kobiru Sain asked about the commitment to former Chetburn Street residents and the shortfall in children's play space. Malik clarified that block B2 is social rent and that the play provision is high quality, despite not meeting the policy-compliant quantum. Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury raised concerns about anti-social behaviour and security, to which Bahachariji responded that the plans address safety and design out crime. Councillor Iqbal Hossain asked about the right to return for residents, and the applicant confirmed their commitment.

Councillor Asma Begum raised concerns about major adverse effects on heritage assets and daylight/sunlight, as well as disabled parking provision. Malik explained that the harm to heritage assets was weighed against the public benefits, and the daylight/sunlight assessment included a supplementary assessment to account for balconies and recesses.

Councillor Hossain raised concerns about the lack of a football pitch in the plans for Langdon Park, and the applicant responded that there is space for a football pitch and they are open to including it in the detailed design. He also requested an additional floor for the mosque, to which the applicant agreed in principle. Councillor Ahmodur Khan sought assurance that the community centre and mosque would be built in the first phase, and the officers responded that they would be secured through a Section 106 agreement¹ with triggers related to the occupation of residential units.

After further discussion, the committee voted in favour of the application, with eight votes in favour and one abstention.

Recommendations and Procedure for Hearing Objections and Meeting Guidance

The committee noted the Recommendations and Procedure for Hearing Objections and Meeting Guidance.