The Strategic Development Committee considers major planning applications for Tower Hamlets that exceed the scope of the standard Development Committee due to their size or scale. This includes developments such as buildings over 30 metres high, residential projects with more than 500 units, large employment sites, major infrastructure, or applications significantly deviating from the development plan. The committee also handles legal proceedings related to planning matters and applications referred to it on an exceptional basis. It is composed of nine council members and plays a key role in shaping significant developments within the borough.