The South Poplar Masterplan SPD project seeks to provide guidance on the implementation of policies in the Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2031. The SPD will also aim to align with the recommendations contained within the Mayor of London’s Isle of Dogs and South Poplar Opportunity Area Planning Framework (adopted October 2019).

Once adopted, the document will have weight as a material planning consideration setting out the Council’s expectations for planning submissions. In this respect, the document will be a key reference point for developments within the area. Overall, it is intended for South Poplar to share in the benefits of good growth, improved transport capacity and connectivity, be provided with social infrastructure alongside development, benefit from joined up development across different land ownership and be protected against the construction impacts of future developments. The masterplan will optimise land around a transport hub and provide more certainty within the development management process

The SPD masterplan area is primarily informed by Local Plan Site allocations as well as adjacent sites considered integral to the delivery of important spatial goals. In particular, the masterplan area contains the North Quay, Billingsgate Market and Aspen Way site allocations. The SPD study area is located to the northern part of the Isle of Dogs and south of Poplar High Street. The Masterplan will cover an area included within the Poplar and Canary Wharf Council wards.

Within the South Poplar area, there are a number of development sites that have come forward, signalling the developer interest in the area. Each of the sites within the masterplan are at varying stages of the development process, however are likely to come forward in the very near future. To respond to the various challenges presented on each development site, this masterplan seeks to provide high quality, sustainable, deliverable guidance and strategies to ensure future development is delivered in accordance with the adopted Local Plan. The SPD will support priority 1 - People are aspirational, independent and have equal access to opportunities -and 2 - A borough that our residents are proud of and love to live in- of the Mayor’s Strategic Plan.

The South Poplar Masterplan SPD has been through an extensive preparation process. This includes a baseline analysis and early engagement carried out during August-December 2020, such as mapping; site analysis, opportunities and constraints; structural analysis, initial consultation with stakeholders; an online survey and online exhibition.

Preparation of a draft document was carried out between December 2020 and March 2021. Public consultation was then carried out during 09 March-20 April 2021. A wide range of community groups, residents, landowners and other stakeholders engaged with the SPD and made formal responses as part of the consultation process.

It is now necessary to adopt the South Poplar Masterplan SPD to further enable clear and robust guidance to inform and be implemented in development proposals. The SPD will allow the delivery of a shared vision, which will ensure that existing character is respected and enhanced; and the new developments are of the highest quality in accordance with corporate and Council objectives and the Development Plan (Local Plan and London Plan).