The Strategic Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 14 May 2024, approving the construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Lea and granting planning permission for a significant residential development at Caxton Hall Community Centre. The committee also agreed on a procedure for handling future planning applications related to the Bishopsgate Goods Yard and a proposed interim delegation scheme for planning functions from the London Legacy Development Corporation.

New Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge Approved at Ailsa Wharf

The committee granted planning permission for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Lea at Ailsa Wharf, connecting Tower Hamlets with the London Borough of Newham. The bridge, designed as a steel bowstring arch, will facilitate cross-borough travel for pedestrians and cyclists, improving connectivity and supporting a modal shift towards sustainable transport.

Concerns were raised regarding the minimum head height of the underpass beneath the bridge, which at 2.2 metres is lower than requested by highway authorities but considered acceptable by officers due to site constraints. Conditions were added to ensure appropriate signage, lighting, and traffic calming measures. The design of the bridge, including its orange colour and integrated seating, was generally praised. Discussions also covered the potential for anti-social behaviour and the need for adequate lighting and security measures, with conditions to be applied to address these concerns. The committee unanimously approved the application, subject to conditions including a drainage strategy optimising permeable materials and a secure by design review of the seating area.

Caxton Hall Community Centre Redevelopment Approved

Planning permission was granted for the demolition of the existing Caxton Hall Community Centre and ball court to construct a part-7 and part-9 storey building containing 36 affordable rent residential units and a replacement community centre. The development, located at Caxton Grove, E3 2EE, was approved by a majority vote of 6 in favour, with one against and two abstentions.

Significant debate surrounded the building's height, which exceeds the council's tall building policy, but officers argued that the provision of 100% affordable housing, specifically family-sized social rent units, constituted a material consideration that justified the departure. Concerns were raised by objectors and some councillors about the impact on neighbouring amenity, particularly regarding loss of daylight and sunlight, and the loss of existing play space. While acknowledging these impacts, officers concluded that the public benefits of the affordable housing and improvements to Four Seasons Green outweighed the harm. Conditions were added to secure details of landscaping, play space, and a secure by design review of the seating area. The committee also noted that the existing ball court would be lost, with mitigation provided through a commuted sum for improvements to the Malmesbury Road MUGA.

Bishopsgate Goods Yard Reserved Matters Procedures Agreed

The committee agreed on a procedure for handling future Reserved Matters Applications (RMAs) for the Bishopsgate Goods Yard site. While the Mayor of London remains the decision-maker for these applications, the committee will review and formalise Tower Hamlets' observations to the Greater London Authority (GLA) for RMAs that fall within the committee's terms of reference. This approach aims to ensure continued scrutiny of the development, acknowledging the site's significance and previous committee resolutions.

Interim Delegation Scheme for LLDC Planning Functions Approved

The committee noted and agreed in principle to an interim delegation scheme (IDS) for planning functions currently exercised by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). This scheme, proposed to run from 1 September to 30 November 2024, will allow Tower Hamlets and three other boroughs to assess and determine new planning applications submitted to the LLDC during this period. This measure aims to ensure a smooth transition of planning powers back to the boroughs from the LLDC, providing certainty for applicants and allowing the LLDC to focus on existing cases. The scheme will be formally confirmed by the full Council in July.