Reasons for urgency were agreed as set out in the report.

DECISION

1.    To approve Option A as set out in the report – Publication of the Local Plan, with changes to the approach to tall buildings, with the aim to increase housing supply to the borough and note the legal and finance sections of the report

2.    Note that alongside publication of the chosen proposed submission version of the Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2038, the accompanying policies map, Integrated Impact Assessment, consultation statement, and evidence base studies will also be published for the six-week public consultation;

3.    Authorise the Corporate Director for Housing and Regeneration, in consultation with the Mayor, to make any appropriate and necessary minor amendments to the chosen proposed submission version of the Local Plan and any associated documents prior to the commencement of the consultation, should Cabinet approve publication;

4.    Agree that, following Regulation 19 consultation, a report will be brought to Full Council noting any risks emerging from the Regulation 19 consultation responses and seeking approval to submit the Local Plan and associated documents to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to begin an independent examination in public.

Action by

CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND REGENERATION (P. PATTERSON)

Director of Planning and Building Control (S. Sudhakar)

The Mayor introduced the report that sought approval to undertake a six-week consultation on a proposed submission version of the new Local Plan, which set out a vision, strategic priorities, planning policy framework, and site allocations to guide all development in the borough.

The Mayor explained that he was proud to present the next stage in the journey of the Council’s Local Plan 2023-2028 strategic document which he felt represented a new, holistic and revolutionary approach to planning and placemaking, built on foundations putting regeneration and residents first.

He explained how the Plan would assist with some of his administration’s key priorities including:

·         Tackling overcrowding, and the associated health; social; and economic inequalities that are born out of such conditions, remains one of the biggest challenges that our borough faces.

·         increasing genuinely affordable housing

·         delivering real affordable homes – not ‘intermediate or shared ownership’.

·         incorporating community facilities into developments

·         Pushing the height-limits of tall buildings

The Mayor explained that he believed Option A in the Cabinet Report provided the Council with a fantastic opportunity to push the boundaries of regeneration and development. He commended Option A to the Cabinet, and urged all members to support it.

The Cabinet welcomed the report and indicated agreement with the Mayor that Option A from the report represented the best approach to managing development in the borough.

RESOLVED that the Mayor in Cabinet:

1. Approves Option A as set out in the report – Publication of the Local Plan, with changes to the approach to tall buildings, with the aim to increase housing supply to the borough and note the legal and finance sections of the report

2. Notes that alongside publication of the chosen proposed submission version of the Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2038, the accompanying policies map, Integrated Impact Assessment, consultation statement, and evidence base studies will also be published for the six-week public consultation;

3. Authorises the Corporate Director for Housing and Regeneration, in consultation with the Mayor, to make any appropriate and necessary minor amendments to the chosen proposed submission version of the Local Plan and any associated documents prior to the commencement of the consultation, should Cabinet approve publication;

4. Agrees that, following Regulation 19 consultation, a report will be brought to Full Council noting any risks emerging from the Regulation 19 consultation responses and seeking approval to submit the Local Plan and associated documents to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to begin an independent examination in public.

This item was withdrawn from the agenda on request of the Mayor.

This item was withdrawn from the agenda on request of the Mayor.