Tomlinson Close

Tomlinson Close - 4th Consultation Event

London Borough of Tower Hamlets and Tower Hamlets Homes would like for you to join us for a Public Consultation to find out more about the proposed Rooftop Development and infill works at 2-20 Tomlinson Close, as well as improvement works to the existing block including both the internal and external areas.

The times and dates of the Public Consultation events are as below:

Date: Wednesday 4th October 2023

Time: 4pm - 7pm

Location: Professional Development Centre, 229 Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 6AB - map

and

Date: Saturday 7th October 2023

Time: 10am - 1pm

Location: Professional Development Centre, 229 Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 6AB - map

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Welcome to our fourth round of consultation events where we would like to show you our latest proposals, to be submitted to the Planning Department in November 2023. We are proposing to add a rooftop extension to the block 2-20 Tomlinson Close as well as undertaking major works to this host block.

In our previous events with you, we talked about the possibility of undertaking Major Works to the adjacent blocks at the same time as the Rooftop new homes. It is, however, no longer possible to deliver both together and so blocks 1-31 and 22-68 Tomlinson Close will be reprofiled into the Capital Delivery Programme for future dates for the Major Works.

Since our last update to you, we have been working on key elements for the design proposals for the new rooftop extension on 2-20 Tomlinson Close, such as;

1. Arriving at the right unit numbers and sizes to minimise the impact on the existing residents.
2. Changes to be undertaken to the existing homes in 2-20 Tomlinson Close to introduce private amenity space and fire safety measures, including water sprinkler systems.
3. Public Realm improvements to benefit all residents in the local area.

Aspirations of the engagement event:

• To get resident feedback on the latest design of the new rooftop and infill development.
• To ensure that residents are aware of the nature of the improvement and fire safety works to be undertaken.
• To get resident feedback on the proposals for the wider public realm.
• To ensure that residents understand the benefits of this scheme.

Who we will engage with?

• TRA (Tenants and Residents Association)
• Ward Councillors
• Resident Steering Groups
• Local Residents

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Project History

Consultation 1

Image presented at the first consultation

This was the first session with the residents at Tomlinson Close. At this consultation event the principle was to explain the initial concept of rooftop developments. The site analysis, initial massing and thoughts surrounding major works were presented.

Consultation 2

Design development image from second consultation At the follow up session in there had been some design development to show some initial floorplans to show the layout of the new accommodation above 2-20. There was the presentation of the concept visual with some precedents for materiality and a schedule of accommodation.

Consultation 3Development proposal image from third consultation

The proposed rooftop extension will only apply to block 2-20 Tomlinson Close which will also benefit from an infill along Mile End Road of six storeys adding an additional 3 units. The existing host block will also have other forms of repair/renewal works which have been the outcome of multiple surveys and subconsultants reviews on the condition and compliance.

The proposed rooftop and infill extensions will provide 14 new homes that will be available on the council waiting list. Three new floors will be added over the roof of the existing block with a 4 storey infill to the side. All residential units will be serviced by a new stair core and lift, with a new secondary access stair provided within the existing pram store.

At this event we were able to provide the residents with more information that was going to be happening across the estate and within their units. The visual presented was working through the design development with the precedents.

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Site Context

The Mayor of Tower Hamlets has introduced a target of building 1,000 homes per year. With 24,000 households on the waiting list, the need has never been more urgent. With land being scarce in Tower Hamlets attention is focused on existing Council land and property with the potential for building additional homes.

The proposed rooftop extensions make use of the existing low-rise buildings with 2 - 5 storey heights to provide Council homes for local families. 2-20 Tomlinson Close has been identified for potential rooftop new homes.

The current design proposes to get 14 new homes on Tomlinson Close. The Council's intention is to take the latest designs to planning submission in November 2023.

Arial Views

Existing Site Photos

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Proposed visuals of the site

The proposed rooftop extension will only apply to block 2-20 Tomlinson Close which will also benefit from an infill along Mile End Road of six storeys adding an additional 3 units. The existing host block will also have other forms of repair/renewal works which have been the outcome of multiple surveys and subconsultants reviews on the condition and compliance.

The proposed rooftop and infill extensions will provide 14 new homes that will be available on the council waiting list. Three new floors will be added over the roof of the existing block with a 4 storey infill to the side. All residential units will be serviced by a new stair core and lift, with a new secondary access stair provided within the existing pram store.

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Resident Offers and Wins

Estate Improvements

Lighting in communal areas both internally and externally will be improved to provide better safety for residents and tackle ASB on the estate where possible. The landscape, public realm and access will also be improved where possible, to provide a space where all residents will want to spend time, including the introduction of well-designed child play space . The refuse collection and cycle storage has also been reviewed and improved.

Shared Service Charges

Service charges would be split across more properties, with the new homes being added to the block within the new rooftops and the infill. Therefore the existing residents should see a decrease in their monthly payments.

Improved Fire Safety

New sprinkler systems will be fitted to all existing flats within the rooftop block (2-20) to meet the new regulations for blocks over 11m in height. This will provide more safety for our residents and all internal works to flats will be made good. It is important that we are clear that access to your property will be needed in order for these works to be conducted. This will be appropriately scheduled with you.

Facade Upgrade

Residents in the rooftop block (2-20) would benefit from having the external façade of their properties upgraded to match the floors above. This works includes protecting the lower part of the building as well as enhancing the visual elevations of the site. The lower levels of the host block will have new windows as part of the works.

New Roof

All residents in the rooftop block will benefit from a new roof being provided that would have otherwise been charged through major works. This cost will not reach the residents now as they will be picked up through the rooftop scheme.

Amenity Space

Outdoor private amenity space would be provided for all residents in the rooftop block. Those on the ground floor would receive a small private garden area and those on upper floors would be provided new balconies courtesy of the exoskeleton that would need to be added to the block to support the weight of the upper floors. New external doors to the amenity space would be installed and homes made good following this installation. It is important that we are clear that access to your property will be needed in order for these works to be conducted. This will be appropriately scheduled with you.

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Proposed Site Plan

Proposed Floor Plans

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Landscaping Proposals

The proposals for Tomlinson Close focus on providing increased green amenity, a new children’s play space as a focal design feature and enhancing a sense of safety for local residents and pedestrians.

T1: The south facing courtyard is proposed to host a new children’s play space overlooked by seating for parents as a focal feature. The existing raised planter beds are retained whilst maintaining shrub height to ensure visibility and natural

surveillance from adjacent residential units. This in turn would enhance a sense of safety and contribute to mitigating risk of anti-social behaviour.

T2: Tomlinson Close currently cluttered in its visual appeal due to parking and bollards is transformed into a quiet ‘green’ street, by introducing planter beds and new trees into the streetscape. This will increase green amenity and support ground water infiltration, whilst acting as a barrier for vehicles going onto pavement.