The Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday 12 June 2024, approving a major estate regeneration project and a roof extension, while also confirming a Tree Preservation Order. Key decisions included granting planning permission for the redevelopment of the Harriot, Apsley, and Pattison Houses estate in Stepney Green, which will provide 407 new homes, including a significant proportion of affordable housing, and a new community centre. The committee also granted planning permission for a two-storey roof extension at 8 Whites Row, London E1 7NF, to create a four-bedroom apartment. Finally, the committee confirmed the Dinmont Estate E2 Tree Preservation Order 2024/2, protecting two mature trees on the estate.

Redevelopment of Harriot, Apsley & Pattison Houses and Redcoat Community Centres, Stepney Green, London, E1

The committee granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Harriot, Apsley, and Pattison Houses estate, which includes the demolition of existing buildings to provide 407 residential units and a new community centre. The scheme, which is an amendment to a previously approved plan, will deliver 53.3% affordable housing by habitable room, including the reprovision of 64 existing homes. The new community centre will be a standalone building, and the development will incorporate extensive landscaping and amenity space. Councillors debated the reduction in family-sized housing compared to the previous scheme but ultimately voted to grant permission, noting the overall increase in affordable housing and the benefits of the regeneration project.

8 Whites Row, London, E1 7NF

Planning permission was granted for the erection of two additional storeys at roof level to the existing building at 8 Whites Row, London E1 7NF. This will create one four-bedroom self-contained apartment. The proposal was largely identical to a scheme previously approved in 2021. Objections were raised concerning refuse storage, fire safety, and the loss of amenity space, but officers noted that fire safety matters would be addressed through building regulations and that the roof space in question did not have a formal right to be used as amenity space. The committee voted to grant permission, subject to conditions.

Confirmation of the Dinmont Estate E2 Tree Preservation Order 2024/2

The committee confirmed the Dinmont Estate E2 Tree Preservation Order 2024/2, which protects a London Plane (T1) and a Whitebeam (T2) tree on the estate. An interim Tree Preservation Order (TPO) had been served due to concerns about potential harm to the trees from proposed development on the site by Tower Hamlets Community Housing (THCH). THCH objected to the TPO, arguing that replacement planting could mitigate any impact and that the trees did not warrant protection. However, the council's arboricultural officer assessed the trees as having significant amenity value and being visible from the public highway, with a foreseeable threat due to development proposals. The committee voted unanimously to confirm the TPO, providing long-term protection for the trees.