The Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Thursday, 03 October 2024, and refused a planning application for public realm improvements and a retail pavilion at Montgomery Square and Water Street, London E14. The committee voted against the officer's recommendation to grant permission, citing concerns over the impact of proposed road closures on local businesses, traffic congestion, and resident access.

Montgomery Square and Water Street Public Realm Improvements

The committee considered a significant planning application for the relandscaping of Montgomery Square and Water Street, part of the wider Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf estates. The proposal included alterations to landscaping, the provision of a flexible event space, a retail pavilion, and public realm enhancements, alongside road amendments to Upper Bank Street and Montgomery Street, and pedestrian-friendly improvements to Water Street.

The officer's recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and planning obligations. This included the removal of existing structures, alterations to landscaping, and the introduction of hard and soft landscaping, a flexible event space, and a retail pavilion. A key element of the proposal was the closure of Water Street to public vehicular traffic, with access retained only for emergency services, servicing vehicles, and blue badge holders. This would allow for the introduction of pocket parks, additional greening, and outdoor seating.

However, the committee ultimately voted to refuse the application. The primary reasons for refusal centred on the proposed closure of Water Street. Councillors expressed concerns that this would negatively impact local businesses, increase traffic congestion within the estate, and create difficulties for residents entering and exiting the area. Despite the officers' assessment that highway impacts were minimal and that alternative routes would be provided, the committee felt these concerns were not adequately addressed.

A significant number of objections had been received, with the majority relating to the potential loss of the business operating from the existing 640 East structure in Montgomery Square. While officers noted that the occupier of a site is not a material planning consideration, they did highlight that the applicant had engaged with the business owner and found a new location for them within the red line of the application, on Water Street itself.

The committee debated the proposal at length, with some members expressing support for the enhanced greening and public realm improvements, while others echoed the concerns of objectors regarding traffic and business impact. Ultimately, the vote was 5 in favour of refusal and 2 in favour of granting permission, leading to the refusal of the application.

The meeting also included procedural matters, such as the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting and the presentation of guidance for hearing objections and meeting procedures. No other planning applications were discussed.