Sainsbury’s has submitted an appeal against the refusal of its proposed Whitechapel scheme, as well as an appeal for non-determination on a revised plan.
Following the refusal of the original plan for a new supermarket, 608 homes and a 28-storey tower, Sainsbury’s submitted a revised plan for a supermarket and 471 homes in up to 14 storeys.
The main reason for the refusal was the perceived impact the proposed 28-storey tower might have on the nearby Trinity Green almshouses.
As a result, the revised scheme reduced the height of the tower to eight storeys.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We were disappointed our original plans were refused last year, as they would have driven regeneration, provided a new modern store, affordable housing and 400 jobs for local people.
“Despite this, we submitted a new scheme in June. Unfortunately, Tower Hamlets council has refused to make a decision on our application within the statutory period and there is no clear evidence they are willing to do so in the near future.
“We now have no other option but to appeal and refer both schemes to a planning inspector, who will make a decision in due course.”
Tower Hamlets has seen an increasing number of planning refusals in recent months, as locals and councillors argue it is taking on an unfair share of London’s new housing development.
Another major residential-led scheme in Whitechapel goes before a public inquiry on 21 November. Londonewcastle submitted an appeal in March against the refusal of their 470-unit Whitechapel Estate scheme.
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