A London council’s decision to reject plans for a 46-storey student accommodation block has been ‘called in’ by Sadiq Khan’s deputy mayor for planning, who could allow the project to go ahead.
Deputy mayor Jules Pipe argues that the scheme at 7 Brannan Street in Canary Wharf could play a valuable role in “delivering sufficient student accommodation to support the contribution of higher education providers to London’s economy and labour market”.
The plan was narrowly voted down by Tower Hamlets Council at a meeting of the authority’s strategic development committee in November last year. Four councillors voted against the advice of the borough’s own planning officers by refusing permission for the project, while three voted in favour of it.
Councillors opposed to the scheme had argued that it could lead to an increase in “anti-social activity”, “noise and disturbance” for neighbouring residents, and that it was an “inappropriate location for student accommodation”.
But in a letter to the council, Mr Pipe wrote: “The proposals would contribute towards the delivery of housing, making a positive contribution towards London housing targets.
“As such, the non-delivery of 912 student bed spaces is considered to impact upon the implementation of the London Plan.”
The London Plan is Mr Khan’s blueprint for future development in the capital, which sets out how much housing and infrastructure needs to be built to meet the needs of the city’s growing population.
According to City Hall, only two residents had objected to the scheme following a council-organised consultation of 294 addresses across the local neighbourhood.
A public hearing will now be held at City Hall, where Mr Pipe will decide whether to grant permission for the project, or allow the council’s refusal to stand. However, a date has not yet been set for that hearing.
Under the plan, put forward by WW F1 Student Development Company Limited, some 320 of the 912 bedrooms (about 35 per cent) would be classed as “affordable” accommodation.
The bedrooms would range in size significantly, from ‘cluster rooms’ of just 13sqm through to more spacious ‘studios’ of 28sqm.
The plans show a rooftop garden on the top floor, and state that the tower would be “a truly sustainable building with a commitment to the health and well-being of the students and the environment”.
