The Strategic Development Committee convened to discuss two planning applications: a large mixed-use development at Orchard Wharf and a change of use application at 27-29 Thomas More Square. The committee voted to approve the Orchard Wharf application, and voted to defer the Thomas More Square application for further negotiation.

Orchard Wharf Redevelopment

The committee unanimously voted to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of Orchard Wharf, Orchard Place, subject to conditions, planning obligations, and the outcome of referral to the Mayor of London. The proposal involves demolishing existing buildings and constructing a mixed-use development, including purpose-built student accommodation, residential dwellings (all affordable), general industrial space within a safeguarded wharf box¹, flexible commercial space, and associated infrastructure.

Key Aspects of the Approved Development

• Reactivation of Safeguarded Wharf: The development will reactivate a long-vacant safeguarded wharf, a strategic priority for both the borough and London, supporting sustainable freight movement. The initial operator of the wharf box will be Thames Clipper, but the design will allow for future operators to use the facility. The Port of London Authority (PLA) is satisfied with the design and future-proofing of the wharf.
• Affordable Housing Provision: The scheme includes 208 affordable homes (143 affordable rent and 65 shared ownership), contributing to Tower Hamlets' housing supply. The affordable rent element will be split 50-50 between London affordable rent and Tower Hamlets living rent.
• Student Accommodation: The development will provide 1,365 purpose-built student accommodation units, helping to meet local housing targets and alleviate pressure on traditional rented homes.
• Design and Layout: The development will range from 8 to 24 storeys in height, stepping down towards the River Thames. High-quality landscaping and public realm improvements are planned.
• Financial Contributions: The development will deliver Section 106 financial contributions exceeding £2 million, plus £30 million via the community infrastructure levy². These funds will support local skills, training, services, and infrastructure.

Objections and Concerns Raised

• Ashley Lumsden, chair of the London City Island and Good Luck Hope Residence Association, raised concerns about the lack of university nominations for the student housing, the quality of social housing above an industrial site, and the loss of potential family-sized affordable homes.
• Akshita Mehta urged the committee to consider a heritage park instead of private housing, given the site's historical significance as the location of the Thames Ironwork and Shipbuilding Company.
• Impact on neighbouring sites: Some properties at Good Luck Hope will experience major adverse impacts to daylight and sunlight, particularly on lower floors.

Committee Discussion and Decision

• Councillor Amin Rahman, Chair of the Strategic Development Committee, expressed his support for the application, citing the affordable homes provision as a key factor.
• Councillor Iqbal Hussain sought assurance about restrictions on overnight vessel movements to control noise pollution.
• Councillor Shahaveer Shubo Hussain asked about the daylight and sunlight impacts on neighbouring properties.
• Councillor Ahmodur Khan raised concerns about parking arrangements for residents and students.
• Councillor Jahed Choudhury questioned the likelihood of securing university nominations for the student accommodation and how noise pollution would be mitigated when residents open windows.
• The committee acknowledged the concerns raised by objectors but ultimately voted unanimously to approve the application, recognising the significant public benefits of the scheme.

27-29 Thomas More Square - Change of Use Application

The committee voted to defer a decision on the planning application for 27-29 Thomas More Square to allow for further negotiations with the applicant regarding the potential for the council to take over the running of the proposed community centre. The application seeks permission for a part change of use to higher and further education uses, and a temporary change of use of units for community purposes.

Key Aspects of the Proposed Development

• Change of Use: The application proposes changing 25% of the estate (17,698 square metres) from offices to further and higher education (Use Class F1A) for a temporary period.
• Temporary Community Use: The proposal includes a temporary change of use of half of Building 7 from retail to a community use (Use Class F2) for three years.
• Location: The site is located at 27-29 Thomas More Square, within the Central Activity Zone and a Secondary Preferred Office Location.

Objections and Concerns Raised

• Concerns were raised regarding the lack of a confirmed end user for the community space, and the temporary nature of the community use.
• Councillor Ahmodur Khan requested that the community centre be a permanent one, run by the council.

Committee Discussion and Decision

• Councillor Chowdhury asked for more information about the applicant.
• The committee discussed the possibility of the council taking on the community centre, and voted to defer the application to allow officers to engage with the applicant on this matter.
• The committee also requested that officers discuss with the applicant the possibility of making the community centre a permanent fixture, rather than a temporary one.
• Councillor Iqbal Hussain reminded the committee that only those members present at the meeting could vote on the application when it returns.