Harriott, Apsley and Pattison Houses

The average cost of renting a flat in Tower Hamlets is now more than the average household income. There are already more than 19,000 households on the housing register in need of an affordable home and more than 2,000 households are living in temporary accommodation. Although more new homes were built in Tower Hamlets in 2018 than anywhere else in the UK, the average price is now 22 times the average salary, so our residents often can’t afford to buy them.

In response, the council has committed to delivering 2,000 new council homes. These genuinely affordable homes will include properties big enough for families. One in ten will be wheelchair accessible.

At just eight square miles, space to build in Tower Hamlets is in short supply. We’re making the most of land that we already own, including buildings no longer used as they once were.

But that isn’t enough. We also need to look closely at whether there is room for us to increase the number of homes on existing estates.

We can do this by finding ‘infill sites’ or gaps on estates where new buildings can go. We’re also looking carefully to see if we can redevelop existing estates to replace older buildings with ones that are modern, better designed and crucially, that provide more council homes for our residents.

Read next: why Harriott,Apsley and Pattison (HAP) houses

Take survey

We have looked closely at all the estates across the borough to identify where there is the best opportunity to increase the amount of council housing. We found that not only does the area around Harriott, Apsley and Pattison (HAP) Houses have room to accommodate new homes, there will be space for a new mosque and improved open spaces.

Read next: Our promise to residents

Take survey

• We will keep the community together.
• More council homes for social rent.
• Reduced crime and anti-social behaviour through better design.
• New homes at social rents for all existing council tenants.
• Options to suit every leaseholder.
• Addressing overcrowding on the estate through the provision of new affordable homes.
• One move to a new home, wherever possible.
• Financial compensation and all reasonable moving costs paid.
• Current street parking permits guaranteed.
• Residents’ Panel representing residents in decision making and shaping the future of their estate.
• Door-to-door moving support for older and vulnerable residents.

Read next: Design principles for the new development

Take survey

The council is committed to providing high quality, well designed homes and surroundings to create healthy and sustainable environments where people want to live. We will deliver a mix of home sizes to meet the local housing need, with a combination of flats and duplexes and a mix of tenures for families with children and for small and single person households.

Landscaped spaces will include trees, planting, grassed areas and children’s play areas. Biodiversity will be key in planning planting, buildings will be laid out to maximise daylight and sunlight, while homes will be energy efficient. Developments will be well connected, with safe and active streets designed to reduce antisocial behaviour. We will enhance and continue to build a strong sense of community and belonging in any development.

Read next: What regeneration will deliver

Take survey

• A mixed, cohesive and sustainable community.

• Good quality and well-designed homes that will meet residents housing needs.

• More social rented homes.

• More family sized homes.

• Private amenity space to all properties with a gap between homes and public areas to provide privacy for ground floor properties.

• Safer streets and homes through good design and improved lighting.

• New, usable communal areas creating attractive green spaces for residents.

• Energy efficient homes.

• Homes built to minimise noise nuisance.

• Improved and secure provision for bins and bike stores.

• Maximised green space by keeping car use to a minimum.

• A home adapted to your needs, if you have a disability.

• All homes will benefit from at least the national standard required for storage.

• Family units with three or more bedrooms will have separate kitchens.

• Wherever possible, two bedroom homes will have options for separate or open plan kitchens and living space.

Read next: What we showed you in September

Take survey

For those who weren't able to attend the most recent consultation in September, we hope the video below gives you a sense of what was presented for discussion. Please note that the design has evolved further since September and we look forward to hearing your thoughts on these changes at the upcoming consultation sessions in December.

We want residents to be able to have their say as we shape our plans for the development. In the coming months will be holding more engagement events and providing an opportunity for more feedback.

Take survey