Decision delayed on scaled-down Whitechapel science cluster

The London Borough of Tower Hamlets has pushed back a planning decision on the Whitechapel Road Life Sciences Cluster, E1. The decision was expected to be made at a planning committee meeting on Wednesday (28 August) following the officer’s recommendation for approval. The proposals are expected to be back on the table after a site visit. Although the proposed scheme is designed in line with policy, the councillors have questioned whether the benefits of the development outweigh its harm. The concerns arose from objections by local residents around the massing of the buildings, provision of green space and public access. Plans for the scheme, which would span 3.4 acres, were initially brought forward by the Department of Health and Social Care, supported by NHS Property Services, in December 2021. Overall, seven buildings around the Royal London Hospital were proposed to be transformed through a mix of refurbishment, extension and new-build development. The transformation sought to deliver almost 1m sq ft of specialised laboratories and flexible offices, alongside new public realm, cafés and community spaces. However, following a consultation process, the government body submitted a series of amendments to its planning application late last year that reduced the total floor area of the proposed development from 975,000 sq ft to 872,000 sq ft. Public realm and open space was increased from 139,000 sq ft to 144,000 sq ft. The Department of Health and Social Care bought the site from Barts Health NHS Trust in July 2018. It will be looking to sell the sites on receipt of planning permission. Savills has been appointed to market the opportunity. Image © Allies and Morrison