Tower Hamlets’ planning committee is expected to finally decide on the future of the Whitechapel Road Life Sciences Cluster, E1, next week.
The decision was expected to be made at a planning committee meeting in August but was deferred following a request for a site visit. The request was prompted by concerns raised by local residents about the massing of the buildings, provision of green space and public access.
The scheme has been recommended for approval by the planning officer.
The Department of Health and Social Care, supported by NHS Property Services, has been developing the masterplan since the acquisition of the site in July 2018. It wants to transform five buildings around the Royal London Hospital through a mix of refurbishment, extension and new-build development. Initial proposals were lodged with the council in December 2021, featuring 1m sq ft of laboratories and flexible offices, alongside new public realm, cafés and community spaces.
However, following a consultation late last year, the department submitted a series of amendments to its planning application that reduced the total floor area of the proposed development to 872,000 sq ft from 975,000 sq ft. Public realm and open space was increased to 144,000 sq ft from 139,000 sq ft.
The sites are expected to hit the market on receipt of planning permission, with Savills appointed to run the process.
DP9 is advising on planning matters.
Image © Allies and Morrison
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