High density living

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The High Density Living Supplementary Planning Document was adopted in December. Thank you to all who took part and gave feedback.

The adopted document is the result of revisions following the consultation in Spring 2020.

Our new 'supplementary planning document' supports our recently adopted Local Plan, in particular policy S.DH1- Delivering high quality design and policy D.DH7 - Density. The project helps to deliver the mayor’s manifesto pledges to improve the quality and fairness of housing and make development work for local people.

The project responds to important recent changes in national and regional policy including the significant emphasis that the new London Plan places on optimising housing density to deliver sufficient new homes and the fact that, unlike its predecessor, the new London Plan does not set out target density ranges, instead leaving upper density levels open. Secondly, the new National Planning Policy Framework and new London Plan place great emphasis on design quality to achieve high quality buildings and places.

The high density living guidance seeks to provide a clear design vision and set expectations for future development in the borough. We want to ensure that future high density homes and tall buildings support good quality of life for all residents living and working in these buildings. This includes making these spaces work for families, improve social integration, promote health and well-being and responds to the climate emergency.

The guidelines were informed by one of the largest and most comprehensive pieces of research into the lives of residents living in high density and tall buildings. This included surveys of over 1,000 residents living in and around these developments and more in depth interviews with a further 60 residents. In addition, we spoke to care takers, architects, developers, researchers and housing associations and other related stakeholders.

If you have any questions relating to the document you can email PlaceShaping@towerhamlets.gov.uk


The High Density Living Supplementary Planning Document was adopted in December. Thank you to all who took part and gave feedback.

The adopted document is the result of revisions following the consultation in Spring 2020.

Our new 'supplementary planning document' supports our recently adopted Local Plan, in particular policy S.DH1- Delivering high quality design and policy D.DH7 - Density. The project helps to deliver the mayor’s manifesto pledges to improve the quality and fairness of housing and make development work for local people.

The project responds to important recent changes in national and regional policy including the significant emphasis that the new London Plan places on optimising housing density to deliver sufficient new homes and the fact that, unlike its predecessor, the new London Plan does not set out target density ranges, instead leaving upper density levels open. Secondly, the new National Planning Policy Framework and new London Plan place great emphasis on design quality to achieve high quality buildings and places.

The high density living guidance seeks to provide a clear design vision and set expectations for future development in the borough. We want to ensure that future high density homes and tall buildings support good quality of life for all residents living and working in these buildings. This includes making these spaces work for families, improve social integration, promote health and well-being and responds to the climate emergency.

The guidelines were informed by one of the largest and most comprehensive pieces of research into the lives of residents living in high density and tall buildings. This included surveys of over 1,000 residents living in and around these developments and more in depth interviews with a further 60 residents. In addition, we spoke to care takers, architects, developers, researchers and housing associations and other related stakeholders.

If you have any questions relating to the document you can email PlaceShaping@towerhamlets.gov.uk


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Page published: 08 Aug 2022, 01:56 PM