Commenting on the decision last night Cllr Conor McAuley Chair of LTGDC’s planning committee said;

‘When this application came to the committee in February members voiced concerns over elements to the scheme. For these reasons the committee unanimously agreed to defer a decision on the application. A combination of misunderstanding and misreporting interpreted this vote as a refusal of the application but this was not the case. A refusal by the planning committee – or any other planning authority – has to be accompanied with reasons for this and no such reasons had been put to the vote.’

Cllr McAuley continued:

‘The applicant has met the committee’s concerns and, as a result, we have a much better scheme. Converting all one bedroom units into two bedroom units brings the development into line with local council and London wide policies on size standards. Similar amendments have seen the provision of balcony space comply with existing guidance and other concerns relating to access, sunlight and over development have been addressed.

‘The committee considered whether there were strong planning grounds for refusal and concluded correctly that there were not. To have decided in any other way would have resulted in the wilful squandering of public money in legal costs at appeal where defeat would be inevitable.’

In concluding comments Cllr McAuley said:

‘To the disappointment of the objectors to the scheme I have to tell them that our decision was informed solely by an assessment of the application against existing planning policy, including those developed by Tower Hamlets Council. The fact that Council officers have made clear that they consider the scheme acceptable provides confirmation that our assessment of it against existing policy was consistent and correct.’

Further information from Patrick Edwards, Head of Communications, London Thames Gateway Development Corporation +447825451424 patrick.edwards@ltgdc.org.uk

ITEM 2a Draft Planning Committee Minutes 08 March 2012

ITEM 2b Draft Extraordinary Planning Commitee Minutes 19 March 2012

ITEM 3 Part A Officers Report re Virginia Quay

ITEM 3 Appendix 1

ITEM 3 Appendices 2 to 7

ITEM 4 Site at Bow Lock Land to East of Gillender Street BbB

ITEM 4 Appendix 1

ITEM 4 Appendices 2 to 4

ITEM 4 Appendix 5

ITEM 5 LCS Olympic Park

ITEM 5 Appendices 1 to 6

Addendum Report

ITEM 3 Addendum Report re Virginia Quay

2012-03-19 Extraordinary Planning Committee Minutes

Committee Reports:

Agenda for 19 March 2012

ITEM 2 Land Bounded by Aspen Way Cotton St E India Dock Rd Blackwall Tunnel Appr and Naval Row

ITEM 2 Appendices 1 to 7

Addendum Report:

ITEM 2 Addendum Report Blackwall Reach

2012-03-08 Planning Committee Minutes

Committee Reports:

Agenda for 08 March 2012

ITEM 2 Draft Planning Committee Minutes 09 February 2012

ITEM 3 Site at Bow Lock Land to the East of Gillender Street Bromley by Bow

ITEM 3 Appendices 1 to 13

ITEM 4 Aberfeldy Estate Abbott Road E14

ITEM 4 Appendices 1 to 4

ITEM 5 Former Currie and Dunkeld site Aberfeldy Estate E14

ITEM 5 Appendices 1 to 10

ITEM 6 Blackwall Reach Regeneration Project

ITEM 6 Appendix 1

ITEM 7 Minoco Site North Woolwich Road E16

ITEM 7 Appendices 1 to 5

ITEM 8 LBH Devlopment Plan Document - Hackney Wick Area Action Plan

ITEM 9 Tower Hamlets Development Plan Document Consultation

ITEM 10 PreDetermination of Planning Applications

Addendum Reports:

ITEM 3 Addendum Report Site at Bow Lock Land to the East of Gillender Street

ITEM 4 & 5 Addendum Report Aberfeldy Estate

ITEM 6 Addendum Report Blackwall Reach Regeneration Project

ITEM 7 Addendum Report Minoco Site

The show home – part of the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation’s Meadowland development – forms part of one the largest housing developments in London.  Larger than the homes on the Olympic Park, Barking Riverside will deliver 4,000 houses in the first phase of the 10,000 home scheme.

Constructed with a built timber frame insulated panel system, with window and door already installed has ensured high levels of air tightness in the Meadowland homes. The panel design and installation has the potential to yield a 42% reduction in energy consumption.

High performance photo voltaic solar cells have been installed on the roof of the new homes and fully integrated with the mains electricity supply to enable mains feedback. The use of photo voltaic cells could see a 20% reduction in electricity consumption.

Provisions have also been made in house design for connection to a future local heat network and meet the expected demand for ‘waste heat’ from the neighbouring Barking power station. And with design integrating modern housing and ‘green’ technologies – including living roofs and rainwater harvesting – the homes meet exceptionally high sustainability standards (Code level 4).

A joint venture between Bellway Homes and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) Barking Riverside is one of the largest brown field regeneration projects in Europe drawing on £180 million of public funding to deliver a new community along a 2 kilometre stretch of the Thames. Working together with the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and Southern Housing Group Barking Riverside has already delivered a new neighbourhood centre and a new three form George Carey Primary School with plans in place for a new secondary school.

In total some 1500 new jobs and 10,800 new homes will be created.

Joining Mr Pickles a Barking Riverside was Bob Lane LTGDC Chairman, Dale Meredith Development Director at Southern Housing Group along with new Barking Riverside resident Sarah Auma Okungu.

Mr Lane said:

‘We’ve strived to make the most energy efficient homes in the heart of the most green and sustainable development in London. With Meadowland homes at Barking Riverside over 25% larger than any other 3 or four bedroom homes on the market and with fantastic features we’ve achieved the highest sustainability standards without compromising on both comfort and design.’

Dale Meredith said:

“Southern Housing Group is creating vital affordable housing at Barking Riverside, which is making a real difference to London families.

“Built to some of the latest sustainable development standards, our homes are helping families such as Mrs Auma’s to live in comfortable and environmentally responsible homes. Their sustainable credentials will have both an immediate and long term impact on affordability, particularly in a climate of rising energy and household costs.”

Simon Underwood, residential director for International consultancy and construction company Mace, said:

“Supplying a modern method of construction was essential for Mace’s delivery of the high sustainability levels outlined in the planning permissions of the project. A combination of innovative solutions and focus on value for money ensured the London Thames Gateway Development residential units were of a high standard, in keeping with today’s economic climate and a significant addition to some of the country most progressive eco-developments.”

ENDS

Further information from Patrick Edwards, Head of Communications, London Thames Gateway Development Corporation, +447825451424, patrick.edwards@ltgdc.org.uk

NOTES

About London Thames Gateway Development Corporation:

LTGDC is the government’s lead regeneration agency for the Lower Lea Valley and London Riverside, two areas of east London with the greatest potential for growth.

About Mace:

Mace is an international consultancy and construction company with a projected £925m turnover in 2011, employing 3,300 people and operating across over 65 countries. Mace’s core business is programme and project management, cost consultancy, construction delivery and facilities management. It is truly multi-disciplinary with services spanning the entire property and infrastructure lifecycle.  For more information visit: macegroup.com

As main contractor, Mace is working with Barking Riverside Limited (a JV between the HCA and Bellway Homes), Southern Housing Group and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation to be plot developer for one of the first phases of the development.

Led by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) the £45 million scheme for a high tech hub will see a ratcheting up of the range and quality of business accommodation building on the existing cluster of creative industries in Hackney Wick along with those industries struggling to establish a foot hole in high value Shoreditch and Hoxton.  

And allied with plans already put in place by LTGDC with TfL and Network Rail for significant improvements to Hackney Wick Station along with super fast broadband connections, the combined effect will heighten the attractiveness of the area as a viable business location. 

The consented plans provide for a range of workspace sizes and types including rent-a-desk options, shared incubator space and larger units for growing businesses. This mix of provision is vital for creating a vibrant employment hub capable of supporting continued economic growth and investment in Hackney Wick. 

1,596 sq m of retail for a convenience store, cafes, bars and restaurants, 1,820 sq m of public open space, and 130 residential units providing a mix of studios one, two and three bed apartments add to the creation of a new vibrant area for Hackney Wick. 

The creative industries remain a strong and dynamic component of London’s economy, accounting for one new job in every 12 created [1].  The prospects for creative industry growth in Hackney Wick received strong endorsement.  Research by the Tom Fleming Creative Consultancy cited the spotlight of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the presence of the IBC/MPC and its lure to high end media companies to locate and improving access to the area by road and train. 

Steve Oakes, LTGDC’s Development Director said: 

‘Tech City shouldn’t stop at Shoreditch.  We are providing the foundations for it to continue to spread eastwards through to Hackney Wick.  Already home to over 600 cultural and creative industry with a range of businesses aligning well with hi tech concerns, Hackney Wick is a ready-made creative and cultural industries cluster. Sitting between Shoreditch and the IBC/MPC in the Olympic Park there is a natural gradient for creative industry growth to happen here. 

‘Our plans will provide the supporting infrastructure of good transport access, excellent public space and will speed the successful transition of the area into a new district hub with great character and a work/live vibrancy. It will be the benchmark for further development emerging in Hackney Wick.’

 Speaking about the next stage in the development Steve Oakes said:

 ‘The critical next stage is to procure a developer partnership led by a workspace operator and provider who can bring the expertise and specialist skills which will be essential in ensuring that the final space provision, size, rental terms and services meet the business requirement.  There are real experts in this area, with sound, well funded, viable business models.  The workspace operator coupled with a residential partner will ensure the right scheme is delivered.’

[1] GLA Economics 2009

2012-02-09 Planning Committee Minutes

Committee Reports:

Agenda for 09 February 2012

ITEM 2 Draft Planning Committee Minutes 12 January 2012

ITEM 3 Virginia Quay

ITEM 3 Appendices 1 to 8

ITEM 4 Hackney Wick Hub

ITEM 4 Appendices 1 to 6

ITEM 5 Planning Performance Monitoring Quarterly Report

ITEM 6 Planning Obligations Monitoring Quarterly Report

Addendum Reports:

ITEM 3 Addendum Report Virginia Quay incl attachments

ITEM 4 Addendum Report Hackney Wick Hub incl attachment

The transfer comes in the aftermath of the passing of the Localism Act and with it the creation of the new Mayoral Development Corporation covering the Olympic Park and Olympic Fringe. Under the new arrangements all LTGDC projects outside the new Mayoral Development Corporation area will transfer to the Greater London Authority.

After the successful stewardship of planning and development activity in east London since 2005 which has secured over £6 billion of private sector investment along with planning consents with the potential to deliver over 18,000 homes and 15,000 jobs, LTGDC will transfer all its development assets and staff to the MDC and the GLA in April 2012 and will transfer its planning responsibilities for the Lower Lea Valley  to the new Mayoral Development Corporation and the relevant local authorities in October 2012.

Speaking today on the asset transfer LTGDC Chairman Bob Lane said;

‘The asset transfer is excellent news for both east London and the capital. It’s a testament to the effective management of LTGDC over the last 6 years that they are as substantial, containing many key developments that will be an essential part of securing east London’s prosperous future.

Assets set to transfer to the GLA include the 25 hectare London Sustainable Industries Park at Dagenham Dock, new homes development at Barking Riverside, the Creative Industries Quarter in Barking Town and both land and development sites in  Rainham Village, Havering.

A three week consultation with local councils on the asset transfer begins today.  After this point an Order is planned to be laid in Parliament in March providing legal sanction for the transfer.

Mr Lane continued:

‘With our assets come an expert and dedicated staff who know east London and its challenges intimately and the proven skills to overcome them.  They will be an asset to both the new MDC and City Hall in driving east London’s regeneration to a successful and fitting end. I thank them all for their hard work and dedication and their sheer level of achievement over the last 6 years.’

Further information from Patrick Edwards, Head of Communications, LTGDC Tel:  +442075174734 , Mobile +447825451424 patrick.edwards@ltgdc.org.uk 

The six hectare site will reconnect the areas north and south of the A13 flyover; Canning Town Corner with Barking Road and Rathbone Market – to create a vibrant, accessible and safe Town Centre. Phase 1 of the scheme will comprise 179 residential units of private and affordable housing, 424 square metres of retail and a Morrisons supermarket of over 7,000 square metres.

Work will start on site in Canning Town during the final quarter of 2012.

The entire Town Centre scheme includes approximately 1,100 mixed tenure housing units, over 30,000sqm of leisure and retail space and over 5,000 sqm of space for community facilities. The whole scheme is scheduled to be completed by 2023.

Speaking of the planning decision, Stephane Slama-Royer, Managing Director of Bouygues Development, said:

“This is a tremendous decision for Canning Town and for East London as a whole. The regeneration scheme will bring a much-needed sense of place to the area and a wealth of opportunity to the local community. 2012 looks set to be a monumental year for enhancing the economic prospects of the Olympic fringes in East London.”

Peter Andrews, Chief Executive of the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation, said:

“The impact of this decision will be truly transformational. Canning Town’s regeneration did not happen when the DLR and Jubilee lines were put in place but this sustained effort by LTGDC and Newham Council will provide a truer platform for the area’s rebirth. With the Mayor’s new development corporation soon to be established, Canning Town may well be the last example of substantial regeneration outside of the Olympic Park.”

Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of London Borough of Newham said;

“This scheme is the real game-changer for Canning Town, and illustrates the scale of our ambition when it comes to delivering regeneration in Newham. More than that though, it is being delivered very much for the local community and with existing residents at its heart. They will benefit from a new Town Centre and all the opportunities that come with that – jobs, new homes and community facilities. It’s through initiatives like this that Newham is bringing together physical and social regeneration to form strong, prosperous and resilient communities.”

Clive Dutton, Newham Council’s Executive Director for Regeneration and Inward Investment, said:

“To be delivering a new, £600m town centre scheme in the current market is a huge achievement and testament to the strength of Newham’s regeneration vision and our ability to work with private and public sector partners to deliver that vision. The Bouygues Development scheme will spur on not only the wider Canning Town and Custom House regeneration programme, it will also give momentum to the wealth of opportunities throughout Newham’s arc of opportunity running from The Royals through to Stratford. It is further evidence that East London and Newham in particular are at the heart of London’s future economic growth.”

Alan Williams, Group Director at One Housing Group said:

“One Housing Group has a wealth of experience in delivering successful regeneration schemes and we are delighted to bring this experience into our partnership with Bouygues Development. The regeneration of Canning Town will build a diverse yet balanced community and creates much needed affordable homes.”

Richard Haynes, development executive at Morrisons said:

“It’s fantastic that we have been given the go-ahead to provide a flagship ‘store of the future’ Morrisons at the heart of such a significant regeneration and development scheme. We’re now looking forward to bringing our unique fresh food offer to Canning Town along with important jobs, training and investment.  This is another great example of how Morrisons can support regeneration and it’s another step forward in our expansion strategy for London and the South East.”

2012-01-12 Planning Committee Minutes

Committee Papers:

Agenda for 12 January 2012

ITEM 2 Draft Planning Committee Minutes 08 December 2011

ITEM 3 Canning Town Area 7

ITEM 3 Appendices 1 to 12

Addendum Report:

ITEM 3 Addendum Report Canning Town Area 7