Justina Bridgeman

Strategic Development Committee - Wednesday, 15th January, 2025 6.30 p.m.

The Strategic Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday 15 January 2025. The meeting began with a discussion of a previously deferred application, PA/24/00173, a large mixed-use redevelopment scheme at 2-6 Commercial Street, 98-105 Whitechapel High Street and the site of the Canon Barnett Primary School. The application, which was recommended for refusal by planning officers, was to demolish 101 Whitechapel High Street, 6 Commercial Street and the western annex of the Canon Barnett Primary School, partially demolish 102-105 Whitechapel High Street and 2-4 Commercial Street (retaining the façades of those buildings) and redevelop the site to provide an 18-storey office block with community space, relocation and expansion of the school playground, and a new school annex. After discussing the application, the Committee resolved to grant planning permission.

Budget Meeting, Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 14th January, 2025 6.30 p.m.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the proposed Budget Report 2025-26 and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2025-28 and the proposed Fees and Charges for 2025-26. The committee agreed to make a series of recommendations and requests for further information.

Extraordinary Meeting, Strategic Development Committee - Monday, 9th December, 2024 6.30 p.m.

The committee unanimously rejected the officer recommendation to approve the planning application for the development of Royal Mint Court. The committee also rejected the officer recommendation to approve the listed building consent for the heritage works associated with the same application. The committee deferred the application for the redevelopment of 2-6 Commercial Street, 98, 101-105 Whitechapel High Street and Canon Barnett Primary School for a site visit.

Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Thursday, 5th December, 2024 6.30 p.m.

The Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee held a meeting on Thursday 05 December 2024 where they discussed the provision of school places in the borough, the corporate parenting strategy, and mental health provision for children and young people. No decisions were made at this meeting.

Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee - Monday, 2nd December, 2024 6.30 p.m.

The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the progress made since the council took over housing management from Tower Hamlets Homes, examining tenant satisfaction measures, and analysing the performance of social housing providers. Notably, the meeting featured a discussion on two public interest reports from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, revealing significant shortcomings in the council's handling of homelessness cases.