Members are reminded to consider the categories of interest in the Code of Conduct for Members to determine whether they have an interest in any agenda item and any action they should take. For further details, please see the attached note from the Monitoring Officer.

Members are reminded to declare the nature of the interest and the agenda item it relates to. Please note that ultimately it’s the Members’ responsibility to declare any interests form and to update their register of interest form as required by the Code.

If in doubt as to the nature of your interest, you are advised to seek advice prior to the meeting by contacting the Monitoring Officer or Democratic Services

contact: Linda Walker, Director of Legal and Monitoring Officer, Tel: 0207 364 4348

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interest were made; however, the following Members attended a site visit for item 5.1: Councillor Shahaveer Shubo Hussain, Councillor Jahed Choudhury and Councillor Iqbal Hossain.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Strategic Development Committee held on 15 January 2025.

The minutes of the Committee meeting held on 15 January were approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record of proceedings.

To RESOLVE that:

1)   in the event of changes being made to recommendations by the Committee, the task of formalising the wording of those changes is delegated to the Corporate Director Housing and Regeneration along the broad lines indicated at the meeting; and

2)   in the event of any changes being needed to the wording of the Committee’s decision (such as to delete, vary or add conditions/informatives/planning obligations or reasons for approval/refusal) prior to the decision being issued, the Corporate Director Housing and Regeneration is delegated authority to do so, provided always that the Corporate Director does not exceed the substantive nature of the Committee’s decision.

3)    To NOTE the procedure for hearing objections at meetings of the Strategic Development Committee.

RESOLVED that:

1.     In the event of changes being made to recommendations by the Committee, the task of formalising the wording of those changes is delegated to the Director of Planning and Building Control  along the broad lines indicated at the meeting; and

2.     In the event of any changes being needed to the wording of the Committee’s decision (such as to delete, vary or add  conditions/informatives/planning obligations or reasons for approval/refusal) prior to the decision being issued, the Director of Planning and Building Control is delegated authority to do so, provided always that the Director does not exceed the substantive nature of the Committee’s decision.

3.     To note the procedure for hearing objections at meetings for the Strategic Development Committee.

Verbal Update Report noted.

Paul Buckenham introduced the application for the demolition of 101 Whitechapel High Street, 6 Commercial Street and the western annex of the Canon Barnett Primary School; partial demolition and partial retention of 102 - 105 Whitechapel High Street (with internal alterations) and 2 – 4 Commercial Street (façade retained); and redevelopment to provide buildings ranging from ground plus 17 storeys, comprising office floorspace (Class E(g)), community hall (Class F2); relocation and expansion of the existing school playground and School Annex (Class F1); associated car and cycle parking, hard and soft landscaping and other associated works.

Paul Buckenham provided a presentation to accompany the application. The officer's recommendation was to refuse planning permission; however, the Committee was inclined to grant it and the application was deferred in order for officers to prepare a supplementary report for consideration.

Members were given details on the possible implications arising from the Committee's decision, namely that the proposed building falls outside the tall buildings zone and may have adverse consequences around the spatial approach to future buildings in the borough. Mr Buckenham also noted that as the proposed scheme is in the Whitechapel High Street conservation area, a review will have to be undertaken, which may result in a boundary change and a smaller conservation area. Members heard in the update report that the school Travel Plan is no longer part of the Section 106 agreement, as the Council is the freeholder of the land and cannot enter into an agreement with itself.

The Committee then heard details of the financial planning obligations agreed by the applicant, which included a £300,000 for delivering targeted local projects and initiatives to reduce antisocial behaviour and £90,000 towards extending existing cycle hire docking station.

Mr Buckenham then noted the non-financial obligations, which included on-site affordable workspace at 10% of the office floorspace (4,089.5sq.m.) at a 37% discount for the lifetime of the office development. It was noted that this is more than the 10% discount the policy requires.

Further to questions from the Committee, Officers;

•         Confirmed that if planning permission was agreed, the playground works and the extension works must be completed within the first phase and prior to the office build. This is stipulated in the recommended planning conditions.

•         Clarified that the financial contribution of £1.2 million to end-user phase employment skills training, will be used to facilitate local employment for residents. The number of residents is dependent on specific Council programmes.

•         Observed that the proposal includes two school playgrounds, as there will be an additional rooftop area for the primary school.

Only Members physically present at the meeting held on 15 January 2025 were permitted to vote on this application.

Upon a unanimous vote, the Committee confirmed that the decision to Grant planning permission, subject to conditions and obligations as set out in the supplemental report.

It was therefore RESOLVED;

That the Committee confirmed the decision to grant planning permission  on the site at 2-6 Commercial Street, 98,101-105 Whitechapel High Street and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.1

Verbal Update Report noted.

Paul Buckenham introduced the application to grant a redevelopment of the site with the demolition of the existing building and erection of a new building ranging from 5 to 9 storeys, plus basement, to provide life science space (Use Class E); along with roof terraces; roof level plant enclosures; refuse and recycling facilities; cycle parking; servicing; and landscaping.

Mr Buckenham noted that in regards to representation, an additional letter of support was received after the agenda was published. It was also noted that one letter in objection was sent on behalf of two members of the public and not one as initial stated in the agenda pack.

Members were informed that the report refers to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2023, which is incorrect, as Officers assessed the application using the NPPF 2024 version. Finally, the details related to the carbon reduction benefits of the of the scheme have increased from 21.9% to 22%. The existing buildings internal flossing and height is 4.15 metres, which was incorrectly stated in the agenda pack.

Adam Hussain provided a presentation to accompany the application which included the site, location and proposed design. The Committee heard that the proposal includes a ground floor venue for seminars, exhibitions and community space, which will be named the Knowledge Centre and would be secured for 20 years.

Members heard details of the key considerations of the scheme, which noted that 926 letters were sent to neighbouring properties, displayed site notices and put a press advert in the local paper. Mr Hussain noted that the one letter of objection from two members of the public related to daylight and sunlight impacts on the building next to the children's playground and possible disruption from the construction.

8 letters of support and a petition of support.with 122 signatures were received. This included support from the Barts NHS Trust NHS property services and Queen Mary University. Reasons for support included the building has been carefully designed, the scheme will bring jobs and opportunities and will contribute to the Whitechapel Life science cluster and the borough.

The proposal complies with the land use objectives for a life sciences development. Mr Hussain went on to explain the purpose built design in more depth. This includes the flexibility for up to 70% wet labs and 30% dry labs.

The Committee were informed that the site is located near the Silk District residential development. The proposed building’s design drops in scale, to reduce the mass and the bulk of the building at the southern end of the site. Obscure glazing will be used to ensure privacy. It was noted that there would be a reduction in daylight from the southside of the development on Stepney Way, but no significant impact to the Raven Row end of the scheme.

Mr Hussain then went on to discuss the financial contributions of the scheme, which included;

?          A £250,000 contribution for pavement widening and tree planting in the surrounding areas of the public  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.1