The Strategic Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Thursday 24 September 2020, where they granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Miriam Place Gas Holder site in Bethnal Green. The committee also approved minor material amendments to an existing planning permission for the Southbound development by Raven Road, Stephanie Way, and Stephanie Street in Whitechapel.

Miriam Place Gas Holder Site, Bethnal Green

The committee granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Miriam Place Gas Holder site in Bethnal Green, proposed by St William. The development includes the demolition of existing buildings, decontamination and remediation of the site, and the retention, refurbishment, and reinstatement of two existing gas holder frames. The redevelopment will comprise five buildings ranging from six to 13 storeys, providing 555 new homes, including 35% affordable housing, and over 4,000 square metres of non-residential floor space.

Concerns were raised by objectors, including Lucy Rogers and Paul Latham, regarding the potential damage and loss of the gas holder frames during dismantling and re-erection, with arguments that in-situ refurbishment should be prioritised. Councillor Gabriela Salva Macallan also voiced concerns about the density of private housing and the adequacy of the affordable housing provision.

Officers, including Development Manager Paul Buckenham and case officer Adam Garcia, presented the application, highlighting that the proposed scheme would retain the gas holder guide frames, with a Section 106 agreement stipulating their completion before the occupation of buildings within them. They acknowledged that while some harm to the heritage asset was assessed as less than substantial, the public benefits, including affordable housing and open space, outweighed this harm. The committee voted seven in favour and one against to grant planning permission.

Southbound, Raven Road, Stepney Way, Stepney Street, London

The committee granted planning permission for minor material amendments to an existing planning permission for the Southbound development in Whitechapel, submitted by London Quadrant Housing Trust and Mount Anvil. The amendments increase the total number of new homes from 648 to 698, with an increase in affordable housing provision from 32% to 35% of units. The plans also include increased heights for blocks A and C, an amended residential unit mix, a reduction in on-site car parking, increased office floor space, and additional amenity space.

Objectors, Amanda Day and Paula Boddington, raised concerns about the increased density, height of buildings, and the impact on local amenity, transport, and infrastructure, particularly in an already densely populated area. They questioned the increase in private units compared to affordable units and the overall impact on the character of Whitechapel.

Case officer Max Smith explained that the amendments were largely driven by a need to update the market-facing sales mix for phase two of the development and to maximise public benefits, including affordable housing and workspace. He noted that while there would be some additional impacts on daylight and sunlight, these were considered acceptable in light of the public benefits. The committee voted six in favour and one against to grant planning permission for the amendments.