Outline plans for the 15 acre site include the construction of up eight new buildings to provide up to 1,800 new homes, including 30% affordable homes, as well as a site for a new six form entry secondary school, more than 20,000 square metres of commercial space and new pedestrian routes. Detailed approval was given to the first 521 homes.
A number of the new homes would be comprised within a landmark residential building and the Grade II listed Pennington Street Warehouse within the development site will be redeveloped into cafes, restaurants and small offices.
2.7 hectare of the scheme will comprise open space, including a new civic square which will host events throughout the year, a new Quayside street, market gardens and water gardens as well as a 375 metre promenade to the south of the site.
The Council's planning officers said in the committee report (138-page / 2.28MB PDF) that the proposed scheme "maximises the delivery of housing, including affordable housing". They said they "strongly supported" the proposed affordable housing strategy as it would provide new homes at "levels that are truly affordable to local residents".
"In providing high quality homes, new commercial space and land for a new secondary school all set in a beautifully landscaped site, we will create a fantastic place for a new vibrant community to thrive," said St George managing director Ross Faragher in a statement. "We look forward to continue working with Tower Hamlets Council and the local community as the development progresses."
Grant of planning permission to the scheme will be subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement with the Council.
