The Development Committee is responsible for deciding on significant planning applications, including those for new developments, listed buildings, and conservation areas within Tower Hamlets.
It handles applications that attract substantial public interest, with over 20 representations received, or those involving large-scale projects such as residential developments of over 35 units, or commercial spaces exceeding 5,000 to 10,000 square metres. The committee also considers applications on Metropolitan Open Land and hazardous substance consents. It can also provide observations on planning applications referred by other authorities when significant borough-wide issues are involved.