Planning Obligations SPD Update
We are preparing a partial update to the Planning Obligations SPD
Tower Hamlets is one of the fastest-growing boroughs in London and has seen a significant amount of development in recent years - a trend that is expected to continue in the future. The council welcomes the delivery of new housing and commercial developments, while also recognising that growth needs to be managed sensitively. This includes addressing the needs of a growing population and delivering benefits to new and existing communities. One of the ways that we manage development is by including planning obligations as part of planning permissions.
Planning obligations are agreements with developers which address the impacts of a development and ensure that it is acceptable in planning terms. The Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) provides guidance on how planning obligations are secured from new development. The current Planning Obligations SPD was adopted in March 2021 and we are now proposing a partial update so that it remains up to date and better reflects current costs to the council, especially in light of recent high levels of inflation.
The council is now formally consulting on the proposed amendments to the Planning Obligations SPD from Wednesday 03 September 2025 to Sunday 05 October 2025.
What's Changing?
The ‘Planning Obligations SPD – Draft Partial Update’ document in the Document Library shows the proposed amendments as track changes. A summary of the changes is also included below.
Development Co-ordination Contribution and S106 Monitoring Fee
The council is planning to update the formulas for the development co-ordination contribution and the non-financial monitoring fee. These updates will:
- Adjust the formulas in line with indexation (CPI)
- Allow the formulas to be increased in line with indexation from the date that the updated formula is set, through to the date that the contribution and monitoring fee are included in a Section 106 agreement
These updates will help ensure that the value of the development co-ordination contribution and monitoring fee reflect the actual costs incurred by the council and maintain their value over time.
Mansard Roof Conservation Area Contributions:
Following public consultation in late 2024,the council has adopted new and updated design guidelines for several conservation areas. It is proposed to update the Planning Obligations SPD to reflect the new design guidelines.
Nature of the Public Consultation
The purpose of this consultation is to get feedback on the draft changes to the Planning Obligations SPD. For the avoidance of doubt, the council is only consulting on the track changes that are set out in ‘Planning Obligations SPD – Draft Partial Update’. Other sections of the Planning Obligations SPD which are not subject to amendments are not being consulted on.
How You Can Get Involved
Online event
If you have questions about the proposed changes to the Planning Obligations SPD, we will be holding an online Q&A drop-in event on Thursday 18 September 4pm – 5pm. To access the online event, please email infrastructure.planning@towerhamlets.gov.uk who will send you a link to join the event.
Hard copies of documents
Hard copies of the consultation documents are available at the Town Hall and Idea Stores / libraries.
Providing a response
You can provide feedback on the proposed changes in the following ways:
- Complete the survey at the bottom of this page
- Email infrastructure.planning@towerhamlets.gov.uk
- Mail your response to Planning Obligations SPD Consultation, Infrastructure Planning Team, Tower Hamlets Town Hall, 160 Whitechapel Road, E1 1BJ.
All responses must be received by Sunday 05 October 2025.
