The Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 14 June 2022, where they granted planning permission for the demolition of garages and the construction of six terraced townhouses on land to the west of Donegal House, Buckhurst Street, London. The committee also appointed Councillor Kamrul Hussain as Vice Chair for the 2022-23 year.

Garages to the West of Donegal House, Buckhurst Street, London

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of existing garages and the construction of six four-bedroom terraced townhouses, each with front and rear gardens and inset roof terraces. The recommendation to grant permission was made subject to conditions, including an additional condition regarding architectural retention to ensure the quality of the design.

The application proposed the demolition of 19 garages, 16 of which were in use, to provide much-needed affordable family housing. The new homes would comprise three living rent and three London affordable rent properties. Officers assessed the application against key planning issues including land use, design, amenity, servicing, and environment.

Concerns were raised by objectors, including the Collierwood Tenants and Residents Association and residents of Donegal House, regarding overdevelopment, loss of garages and storage space, overlooking, loss of privacy, daylight and sunlight impacts, increased sense of enclosure, overshadowing, waste management, and fire hazards. Specific concerns were also raised about the impact on residents with mental health issues and children with additional needs, as well as the potential for increased anti-social behaviour.

The planning officers addressed these concerns, stating that the design incorporated mitigation for privacy loss and that daylight and sunlight assessments indicated acceptable impacts on neighbouring sites, with limited impacts beyond negligible. They also noted that the council's highways team had no concerns regarding the displacement of car parking.

During the debate, Councillor James King highlighted the importance of pre-application consultation, noting that residents felt they had not been adequately consulted. Councillor Sabina Akhtar questioned the primary use of the garages, with objectors stating that they were used for both car storage and general household storage, and that their loss would impact residents' living conditions and potentially lead to overcrowding. Concerns were also raised about the availability of parking in the local area, particularly for residents with disabilities.

The committee voted five in favour, with no votes against and one abstention, to grant planning permission. A minor amendment was made to a planning condition regarding waste arrangements, moving it from a pre-occupation to a pre-commencement condition.

Appointment of Vice Chair

The committee appointed Councillor Kamrul Hussain as Vice Chair of the Development Committee for the 2022-23 municipal year. Councillor Kamrul Hussain is the Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation.