The Strategic Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Monday 08 February 2021, confirming the minutes of a previous meeting and granting planning permission for an extension to Global Switch House. The committee also held a pre-application presentation regarding the redevelopment of Royal Mint Court for a new embassy.

Global Switch House Extension Approved

The committee unanimously granted planning permission, with conditions and obligations, for the construction of a 10-storey power station unit and goods lift at Global Switch House, located at 3 Nutmeg Lane, London. The extension will be no higher than the existing data centre building and will provide additional floor space for plant and equipment. Rooftop chiller units with screening are also proposed. The application was brought to the committee due to the height of the proposed extension, which fell within the committee's terms of reference.

During the discussion, Councillor Bal Whitehead raised concerns about energy use, questioning opportunities to reduce the energy footprint of the data centre in line with the council's net-zero targets. Head of Development Management in Planning and Building Control, Paul Buckingham, explained that due to the nature of the development as an extension to an existing building, securing additional mitigation measures beyond what was already proposed was not possible under current regulations. Councillor Rabina Khan sought clarification on financial considerations, specifically regarding the New Homes Bonus and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Officers confirmed that the application, being an extension to an existing building and primarily for plant and equipment, did not attract financial contributions.

Redevelopment of Royal Mint Court for Chinese Embassy Presented

The committee received a pre-application presentation for the proposed redevelopment of Royal Mint Court for the new Chinese Embassy in the UK. The proposal involves a change of use from existing office development to an embassy. The presentation, delivered by Barnaby Collins of DP9 Planning Advisors, along with representatives from the Chinese Embassy and architects David Chipperfield Architects, outlined a vision to refurbish existing buildings and reduce the overall massing compared to a previous consented scheme.

Key discussions revolved around several critical areas:

• Public Realm and Security: Councillors expressed significant concerns about the impact of the embassy on the public realm, particularly regarding potential protests and security measures. Councillor Andrew Wood highlighted the need for careful management of public spaces outside the embassy to ensure safety for both protesters and the public, especially given the proximity to major landmarks like the Tower of London. Councillor Kevin Brady echoed these concerns, questioning how the development could be made more permeable and less like a fortress, drawing comparisons with the more open design of the new American Embassy in Nine Elms. The applicants stated that security measures designed to protect the building from vehicle-borne attacks would also offer protection to crowds outside, and that the main traffic would use a representational entrance, not the front gates.
• Heritage and Archaeology: The historical significance of the site, including its past as a Black Death burial ground and the location of a Cistercian Abbey, was a major focus. Councillor Peter Golds detailed the potential for significant archaeological discoveries and stressed the need for absolute protection and preservation of any unearthed remains. He referenced the Sainsbury's redevelopment in Merton where the discovery of Merton Abbey led to the relocation of the supermarket. The applicants indicated that the proposed development would likely not disturb the abbey remains due to the use of existing foundations and that they were working closely with Historic England and the Museum of London. A proposal was made to create a publicly accessible display and exhibition space to showcase the Abbey ruins.
• Sustainability: Councillor Andrew Wood hoped the Chinese Embassy would aim for a BREEAM rating of outstanding, similar to the new American Embassy, to set a benchmark for sustainable building practices. The applicants stated their ambition to be as energy-efficient as possible, highlighting the reuse of existing buildings and plans for operational efficiency.
• Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL): Councillor Andrew Wood raised the point that the CIL charging schedule, last updated in January 2020, did not explicitly include embassies, and suggested making it explicit that embassies attract a CIL charge.
• Transport and Parking: Councillor Tarik Khan questioned the provision of parking, noting the council's push for cycling and walking programs. The applicants explained that a diplomatic right to car spaces exists, and to avoid impacting local roads, 148 spaces would be provided on-site within the basement. They argued that as most staff would live and work on-site, actual car usage would be minimal.
• Architecture and Cultural References: Councillor Tarik Khan inquired about the materials and design of the cultural exchange building, suggesting opportunities to incorporate stronger cultural references to Chinese heritage. Billy Prendergast, Director at David Chipperfield Architects, explained that the building would be ceramic-clad, with potential for decoration and a synthesis of shared history between London and China.
• Residential Accommodation: Councillor Tarik Khan sought clarification on the logic behind the significant amount of residential accommodation proposed, noting that it would be solely for staff. The applicants confirmed 231 staff accommodation units were planned, with 200 for on-site staff and 31 for visiting dignitaries, and that 50 staff would live off-site. They agreed to control this usage through a legal agreement.

Head of Development Management, Paul Buckingham, summarised the discussions, acknowledging the unique nature of the proposal and the site. He noted that key issues around permeability, security, heritage, public realm, and cultural links would continue to be worked through during the pre-application process and potentially after a formal application is submitted. The committee also noted the request for a site visit.