The Council meeting on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, saw the approval of the draft Local Plan for submission to the Secretary of State, alongside a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The meeting also addressed several petitions concerning local issues, including the safety of a new cricket pitch in Victoria Park, child poverty, safer school journeys, and the impact of the Bow Triangle Business Centre on Mornington Grove.

Local Plan Submission Approved

The Council has approved the submission of the draft Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2023-2038 to the Secretary of State for examination. This significant planning document, which has been in development for several years and undergone extensive public consultation, sets out a strategic vision for growth across the borough. It aims to address priorities such as overcrowding and related inequalities by proposing policies on housing delivery, environment, design, employment, town centres, community infrastructure, biodiversity, connectivity, and waste.

Key aspects of the plan include a commitment to delivering over 52,000 homes by 2038, with an increased affordable housing target of 40-50%, with a strong emphasis on family-sized social and affordable housing. The plan also proposes a more supportive approach to tall buildings in designated areas to maximise housing delivery.

During the debate, concerns were raised by some councillors regarding the potential impact of increased building heights on the borough's character and heritage, the effectiveness of affordable housing targets in practice, and the strain on existing infrastructure and services. However, the majority of councillors supported the plan, highlighting its potential to tackle overcrowding, provide much-needed affordable homes, and promote sustainable development. The plan was ultimately approved for submission, with delegated authority given to the Corporate Director for Housing and Regeneration to make minor amendments prior to submission.

Motion on Gaza Adopted

A motion calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza was adopted by the Council. The motion also urged the UK government to cease all arms sales and military support to Israel and to back a plan for humanitarian aid and reconstruction assistance for Gaza. Additionally, the Council resolved to support community-funded efforts to build a memorial in Tower Hamlets and to promote community cohesion through the No Place for Hate initiative. This decision followed a debate where councillors expressed the deep concern and solidarity felt by the borough's residents regarding the conflict.

Petitions Address Local Concerns

Several petitions were presented and discussed, highlighting a range of resident concerns:

Victoria Park Cricket Pitch

A petition regarding the siting of a new cricket pitch in Victoria Park was heard, with concerns raised about safety for families and young children due to its proximity to park paths. While the petitioner argued for the relocation or removal of the pitch, the Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, Councillor Kamrul Hussain, stated that there were no plans for a fifth cricket pitch and that the existing facilities met all necessary safety standards, including exceeding minimum distance requirements from footpaths. The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Communities for a written response.

Child Poverty

Petitioners highlighted the critical issue of child poverty in Tower Hamlets, with 56% of children living in poverty. They called for child poverty to be placed at the heart of all council policies, the establishment of a community-led child poverty commission, and stronger advocacy by the Council at regional and national levels. The Cabinet Member for Jobs, Enterprise, Skills and Growth, Councillor Musthak Ahmed, acknowledged the council's existing initiatives and undertook to ask officers to prepare for the establishment of a commission, with the aim of its first meeting in January 2026. The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Communities for a written response.

Safer School Journeys

A petition advocating for the implementation of School Streets to create safer journeys to school for children was presented. The petitioner argued that the council had not introduced new School Streets since 2022 and had even removed one, despite the proven benefits of such schemes for children's health, air quality, and safety. The Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, Councillor Shafi Ahmed, acknowledged the concerns but cited funding constraints and the need for site-specific assessments, suggesting that other infrastructure improvements might offer broader safety benefits. The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Communities for a written response.

Mornington Grove Issues

Residents of Mornington Grove raised concerns about escalating disruption and safety issues stemming from the Bow Triangle Business Centre, including increased traffic, littering, anti-social behaviour, and drug-related activity. They requested urgent intervention from the Council. The Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, outlined steps being taken, including exploring additional signage, enforcing the 20mph speed limit, working with the police on dangerous driving, and addressing littering. The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Communities for a written response.

Support for Small Businesses

A petition from local business owners and representatives called for fair rent calculations, a freeze on rent increases, improved parking access, enhanced market opportunities, and the establishment of a dedicated SME body. The Cabinet Member for Jobs, Enterprise, Skills and Growth, Councillor Musthak Ahmed, acknowledged the importance of small businesses and outlined measures being taken, including piloting a grant-funded support scheme, exploring parking improvements, and strengthening existing networks for representation. The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Resources for a written response.

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report

The Council received and noted the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2024-25. The report detailed the work undertaken by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its sub-committees, highlighting their focus on strategic accountability, financial oversight, governance improvement, and resident concerns. Key areas of scrutiny included the council's budget, progress towards Net Zero targets, flood risk management, hate crime reporting, revenue collection, and the performance of health, adult social care, housing, and children's services. The report was noted by the Council.

Mayor's Report and Other Business

Mayor Lutfur Rahman presented his report to the Council, followed by a response from the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Sirajul Islam. The Council also considered various other agenda items, including announcements from the Speaker and Chief Executive, and received written questions from Members. Due to time constraints, two administration and opposition motions on affordable housing and housing repairs were not debated.