Council loses dispute to protect Limehouse Cut building

Tower Hamlets Council has failed in an attempt to suspend a High Court order quashing a conservation area designation that prevented the demolition of the neo-Georgian former labour exchange in Poplar. Last week, Ouseley J ruled that the council’s decision to designate an area around Limehouse Cut, London’s oldest canal, as a conservation area was flawed and should be overturned. He has now declined the council’s request to suspend the order formally quashing the decision. He said that in order for him to delay the order, the council would have to agree to cover the £5,000 per week cost of securing the building, but such an undertaking could not be provided. He said: “In my judgment, the costs of the unlawful decision can no longer be borne by the developer.” The judge rejected the council’s application for permission to appeal, but lawyers indicated they would ask the Court of Appeal directly. However, the building’s owner, Trillium (Prime) Property GP, which hopes to redevelop it for residential and office use, is entitled to demolish the property before the appeal is heard.