Plans for a controversial 46-storey student accommodation tower in Canary Wharf, which was rejected by Tower Hamlets Council, could still go ahead after being ‘called in’ by Sadiq Khan’s deputy mayor for planning, Jules Pipe. The development, which includes 912 student bedrooms, was initially voted down by local councillors but may now be given the green light to support London’s housing and student accommodation targets.
The decision to reject the proposal was made during a strategic development committee meeting in November of last year, where four councillors voted against the advice of the council’s planning officers. Three councillors voted in favour of the project. The council’s decision to refuse permission was based on concerns that the development would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour, noise, and disturbance for nearby residents, and that the location was unsuitable for student accommodation.
However, Jules Pipe, the deputy mayor for planning, has argued that the project at 7 Brannan Street could play a vital role in supporting the city’s economy by providing essential housing for students. In a letter to Tower Hamlets Council, Pipe stated that the development would contribute to meeting London’s housing targets, which are outlined in the London Plan — the capital’s overarching development strategy. He added that the failure to deliver the 912 student bed spaces could significantly impact the implementation of these targets, particularly as student accommodation is crucial for the higher education sector and the local economy.
Under the proposal, put forward by WW F1 Student Development Company Limited, around 35 per cent of the 912 bedrooms, or approximately 320 rooms, would be classed as “affordable accommodation” for students. The rooms would vary in size, from compact ‘cluster rooms’ of just 13 square metres, to larger ‘studios’ measuring 28 square metres. The plans also include a rooftop garden and a commitment to building a sustainable structure, with a focus on the health and well-being of the residents, as well as the environment.
The development has been controversial in the local community, with many residents voicing concerns about the potential impact on the area. A consultation conducted by the council saw 294 local addresses contacted, with only two residents raising objections to the proposal. Despite the relatively low number of objections, the council’s planning committee took a firm stance against the project, citing the need for the development to be more in line with the existing residential character of the area.
Jules Pipe, however, believes that the proposal aligns with the city’s broader goals of delivering much-needed housing, particularly in the face of growing demand. With London’s population steadily increasing, particularly from international students, ensuring there is sufficient housing to accommodate students is seen as a priority by both the Mayor and his planning deputy.
More Read
A public hearing will now be held at City Hall, where Pipe will have the final say on whether the project should go ahead. During this hearing, the deputy mayor will review both the council’s rejection and the justification for the development, considering all factors involved. However, the date for this hearing has yet to be confirmed, and it remains to be seen whether Pipe will grant permission for the project to proceed, overriding the council’s refusal.
The Canary Wharf area has long been a prime location for development, with a mix of commercial, residential, and student accommodation projects being proposed to meet the needs of the growing population. This particular development has generated significant interest due to its scale and potential to contribute to London’s housing stock. Advocates of the project argue that it would help meet the growing demand for student accommodation in central London, while critics contend that it could disrupt the local environment and exacerbate existing issues of congestion and noise.
The outcome of this decision will likely set a significant precedent for future developments in the capital, especially concerning the provision of student housing in areas like Canary Wharf, which are seen as desirable locations for both students and professionals alike. With the pressures of housing demand growing, the final verdict will have implications for how London balances its development needs with the concerns of local communities.
