Developers and agents have only a few days left to respond to a key consultation paper quietly released by Tower Hamlets council that could determine the future of much of the City Fringe and Docklands.
The Local Development Framework (LDF) document (which replaces the Unitary Development Plan) asks important questions about what sort of development should take place and where – but consultation ends on 13th June.
The LDF names Aldgate East, Bishopsgate Goodyard, Tower Hill and Whitechapel together with Canary Wharf as sites for “major office development” and queries whether these locations are suitable.
It also asks where tall buildings should be sited.
In addition, the council is considering whether Canary Wharf should be promoted from a “district centre” to a “major centre”, given that it serves a large area.
The late-night economy in Tower Hamlets is mainly concentrated in Brick Lane, Canary Wharf and St Katherine’s Dock, but the council is considering other areas for development.
Other issues raised by the paper include:
· Future uses for industrial land.
· The location of housing in areas immediately adjacent to the City.
· Support for start-up businesses.
David Reid, planning and development partner at Montagu Evans, said: “The LDF will be a key document controlling the development of the two critical areas for the future growth of London as a world city in the next decade.
“The framework is directed towards the delivery of the development of the City fringe and the Isle of Dogs and identifies key development opportunities in these areas, along with policies for the local area.
“The issues and options stage, currently underway, provides the opportunity to influence the form and content of development in these areas and I have encouraged our clients to use this opportunity to influence the outcome of their development proposals.”
References: EGi News 06/06/05
