The Strategic Development Committee is scheduled to discuss a significant hybrid planning application for a mixed-use development at the Thames Road Industrial Estate in Silvertown. The committee will also review advice from the Head of Legal Services regarding the determination of planning applications.

Thames Road Industrial Estate, Silvertown, London E16 2EZ

The committee is set to consider a hybrid planning application for the redevelopment of the Thames Road Industrial Estate¹ in Silvertown, London E16 2EZ. The proposal involves the demolition of existing structures to facilitate a mixed-use development of up to 222,796 square metres of gross external area (GEA).

The application includes a detailed component for five development plots, ranging from 4 to 16 storeys in height. This detailed element comprises 774 residential units (approximately 84,674 sqm GEA) for Class C3 residential use, alongside 359 co-living units (Sui Generis use) across 22,399 sqm GEA. It also includes 13,560 sqm GEA for industrial floorspace (Class E(g)/B8) and 1,236 sqm GEA for flexible commercial, business, and service uses (Class E). Associated infrastructure works, including new access, open space, landscaping, parking, remediation, and river wall works, are also part of this detailed component.

Additionally, an outline component seeks permission for seven development plots, ranging from 3 to 18 storeys. This outline element proposes up to 911 residential units (approximately 91,882 sqm GEA) for Class C3 use. It also includes provision for a two-form entry primary school (Class F1), flexible commercial, business, and service uses (Class E), and nursery/community uses (Class E(f)/F2), totalling 9,046 sqm GEA of non-residential floorspace. All matters for this outline component are reserved for future consideration.

This application is accompanied by an Environmental Statement under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017. It is noted as a departure from the Local Plan and affects the setting of Grade II* and Grade II listed buildings and structures. The recommendation from officers is for approval, subject to the completion of a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the imposition of numerous conditions.

The report pack details extensive conditions relating to the detailed, outline, and whole development, covering aspects such as demolition and construction logistics, environmental management, travel plans, parking, cycle parking, security, fire safety, energy efficiency, flood risk management, contaminated land, and archaeology. A significant section of the report also outlines the Heads of Terms for the Section 106 agreement, covering administration, affordable housing provisions, co-living management, travel and transportation contributions, employment commitments, sustainability measures, design requirements, and other specific clauses related to noise mitigation and heritage assets.

Determining Planning Applications

The committee will receive advice from the Head of Legal Services regarding the legal framework for determining planning applications. This guidance will remind members that when making decisions, they must have regard to the development plan and any other material considerations. The advice also highlights the importance of considering the Human Rights Act 1998 in relation to conflicting interests of applicants and third parties.