Deputy Mayor’s Decision on Controversial Development Could Overturn Tower Hamlets’ Rejection
Sadiq Khan’s planning deputy has been advised to grant approval for a significant development on Poplar’s Aberfeldy Estate, which would deliver over 1,500 new homes. Despite a unanimous rejection by Tower Hamlets Council in February 2023, planning officers from City Hall recommend that deputy mayor Jules Pipe approve the proposal.
The original plan called for 1,582 homes, though this number has been slightly reduced following new fire safety regulations introduced by Housing Secretary Michael Gove. These regulations require all new buildings over 18 metres tall to have a second staircase. A public hearing is set for next week, where Mr. Pipe is expected to make his decision.
Tower Hamlets’ strategic development committee rejected the scheme, citing concerns over local traffic, affordable housing provision, potential sunlight reduction, and the location of the tall buildings outside the council’s designated ‘tall building zone.’ However, Mr. Pipe countered these objections, arguing the project would help London meet its housing targets and create new retail and employment opportunities.
The revised development includes 451 affordable homes, of which 252 will replace existing social rent homes, and aims to improve local infrastructure by repurposing an underpass under the A12 for pedestrians and cyclists. City Hall’s report highlights the creation of approximately 651 full-time jobs during construction, including apprenticeship opportunities.
The new development will feature mostly one- and two-bedroom homes, with the tallest building reaching 28 storeys, alongside two buildings at 24 storeys and eight more between six and 12 storeys. The project is part of a broader regeneration of the Aberfeldy Estate that began in 2012 and is being led by Aberfeldy New Village LLP, a joint venture between Poplar HARCA and EcoWorld.
