FAQs

Once the SPD is adopted, in addition to satisfying the requirements of national, regional and local planning policies, development proposals will also need to demonstrate how the guidance in this SPD has been taken into account. The document can also be used by anyone who is interested in understanding how design can play a role in ensuring that residential developments respect and enhance local character. 

The Central Area Good Growth SPD is primarily a material consideration for residential-led developments on small sites located in the Central Area of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The SPD may also provide guidance that is applicable for residential developments on small sites located elsewhere in the borough. For the purposes of the SPD, small sites are defined as those of up to 0.25 hectares. Developments may include roof/rear extensions to existing buildings and new build developments. The guidance therefore applies to both extensions to existing dwellings as well as the creation of new dwellings. Developments may be as small as one residential unit and there is no defined upper limit - although it is expected that in most small sites this will be up to around 40 units. The document can also be used by anyone who is interested in understanding how design can play a role in ensuring that residential developments respect and enhance local character.

The Central Area Good Growth SPD was prepared under Regulations 11 to 16 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012. The guidelines were developed in collaboration with residents, council services, Members, developers, architects, officers and experts in a range of fields. In order to prepare the SPD, we consulted with internal and external stakeholders. Findings from these exercises, along with best-practice case-studies from Tower Hamlets and wider London, are used to support each design recommendation. These were also supported by an analysis of existing policy and guidance and an extensive literature review on relevant topics for the SPD. 

Early-stage engagement was conducted through a public online survey to gather ideas and initial feedback on the intended purposes of the SPD and on the Central Area’s existing character. A series of workshops were also conducted with internal teams within the council and industry professionals. Early-stage feedback was incorporated into the draft that was presented for public consultation, which took place between January and February 2021. 

Suggestions and recommendations received through email, the online survey and the events organised for the consultation period were carefully analysed and helped to inform the August 2021 version of the SPD. All comments and information received as part of public consultation have been carefully analysed and helped to inform the final SPD. A summary of feedback received and how it was taken into account in the revised SPD can be found here: Central Area Good Growth SPD - Consultation and Engagement Report