Reuse, Recycling and Waste SPD

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Tower Hamlets adopted the Reuse, Recycle and Waste SPD on 28th July 2021.

The Reuse, Recycle and Waste Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) provides design guidelines supporting the development of high-quality, small-scale housing developments in the central sub-area of the borough. The SPD’s design guidelines are based on a character appraisal of the area to ensure that residential developments on small sites are sympathetic to the surrounding context and that anticipated development and growth is achieved in a balanced and positive way. The SPD is a material consideration for developments on small sites located in the Central Area of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, although it may also provide guidance that is applicable for residential developments on small sites located elsewhere in the borough.

The Reuse, Recycle and Waste SPD was prepared under Regulations 11 to 16 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012. Early-stage feedback was incorporated into the draft that was presented for public consultation, which took place between February and March 2021. A summary of the comments received during the public consultations and the Council’s response to them are set out in the Consultation Statement also available to download on this page.


The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is developing a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which sets out guidance for developers on how waste management should be addressed in proposals for new residential and mixed-use development. The SPD covers the entire borough and aims to re-examine and improve the way in which waste is produced and managed.

Consultation on the draft SPD has recently concluded. This stage of the project asked industry and the community to read the document and provide feedback through one of our consultation activities. This was an excellent opportunity for everyone to have their say and contribute to this important guidance which will shape the future of waste and recycling in the borough. The comments received during the consultation phase are being collated and fed into the final version of the SPD.

Tower Hamlets has the highest density of housing in London, and over the next ten years the population is projected to increase from 317,200 in 2018 to 370,700 in 2028. According to the new London Plan, there needs to be nearly 35,000 more homes in Tower Hamlets by 2028/29. These homes need to be built with better waste management systems to ensure that they provide a high level of amenity for occupants and minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected our ability to engage on this project in more traditional forms, however this exhibition page has been prepared to ensure that we continue to engage and inform the local community in a safe and secure way.

Please send any written submissions to planmaking@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Tower Hamlets adopted the Reuse, Recycle and Waste SPD on 28th July 2021.

The Reuse, Recycle and Waste Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) provides design guidelines supporting the development of high-quality, small-scale housing developments in the central sub-area of the borough. The SPD’s design guidelines are based on a character appraisal of the area to ensure that residential developments on small sites are sympathetic to the surrounding context and that anticipated development and growth is achieved in a balanced and positive way. The SPD is a material consideration for developments on small sites located in the Central Area of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, although it may also provide guidance that is applicable for residential developments on small sites located elsewhere in the borough.

The Reuse, Recycle and Waste SPD was prepared under Regulations 11 to 16 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012. Early-stage feedback was incorporated into the draft that was presented for public consultation, which took place between February and March 2021. A summary of the comments received during the public consultations and the Council’s response to them are set out in the Consultation Statement also available to download on this page.


The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is developing a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which sets out guidance for developers on how waste management should be addressed in proposals for new residential and mixed-use development. The SPD covers the entire borough and aims to re-examine and improve the way in which waste is produced and managed.

Consultation on the draft SPD has recently concluded. This stage of the project asked industry and the community to read the document and provide feedback through one of our consultation activities. This was an excellent opportunity for everyone to have their say and contribute to this important guidance which will shape the future of waste and recycling in the borough. The comments received during the consultation phase are being collated and fed into the final version of the SPD.

Tower Hamlets has the highest density of housing in London, and over the next ten years the population is projected to increase from 317,200 in 2018 to 370,700 in 2028. According to the new London Plan, there needs to be nearly 35,000 more homes in Tower Hamlets by 2028/29. These homes need to be built with better waste management systems to ensure that they provide a high level of amenity for occupants and minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected our ability to engage on this project in more traditional forms, however this exhibition page has been prepared to ensure that we continue to engage and inform the local community in a safe and secure way.

Please send any written submissions to planmaking@towerhamlets.gov.uk

  • Industry Q&A Session Recording

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    For those of you who were unable to join our Industry session on the 24th of February, we have uploaded a recording of the event.

    Please follow the link below to view the recording.

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/135TMSUFnneJ2FtAZwXyFps4_FLZR2ffX/view?usp=sharing

  • Residents Q&A Session

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    You are invited to join us at the Residents Q&A consultation event for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets Reuse, Recycling and Waste SPD. The purpose of this event is to get your feedback on this document, to ensure that it is useful and simple to use and delivers on its aims.

    This event will be held online, a meeting link will be sent to those who RSVP.

    Details: Wednesday 17th of March, 17:00-18:00.

    If you would like to come along, please email Harriett.Noall@towerhamlets.gov.uk to RSVP.

Page last updated: 25 August 2021, 16:51