Tall Buildings SPD

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Welcome to the Tall Buildings SPD consultation page.

The development of tall buildings can positively contribute to the local environment and deliver significant growth to the local economy whilst also providing much needed homes. However, tall buildings can cause considerable harm to the character and identity of an area through individual or cumulative developments. Tall Buildings can also impact on the quality and safety of public spaces, generate adverse microclimate conditions, cause overshadowing and have a negative impact on amenity and views.

The Project

The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is developing a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to guide and influence the design and planning of tall buildings across the Borough.

In doing so, the SPD will assist in managing tall building proposals by setting out a theoretical framework, a spatial analysis, and guiding principles applicable to tall building development.

The project seeks to:

  • Define what a tall building is within the borough;
  • Identify locations where tall buildings may be appropriate;
  • Identify the character, setting and sensitivities of tall building zones;
  • Identify maximum heights that will be acceptable for tall buildings;
  • Consider tall building typologies in relation to building use, form, public realm, amenity, microclimate and quality of life.

Progress to date

In early 2021, we undertook early engagement to gather evidence and inform the draft Tall Buildings SPD. Since then, we have recorded and analysed your feedback and prepared the draft document. The draft document includes an evidence base which was prepared by consultants Urban Initiatives Studio.

Formal Consultation

The team are hoping to formally consult on the draft SPD late September 2021 for 6-weeks. During the formal consultation, we will seek to gather your valuable input and ideas as the Council develops this important planning policy project.

Workshops

As part of the formal consultation, we will be hosting workshops for areas across the borough focused towards residents, landowners, developers and other interested parties.

As part of these planned workshops, we will be presenting the draft SPD and evidence base document. In similar fasion to the early engagement events, the stakeholder workshops will be held for each of the four sub-areas in the borough as shown in the map below.

Further details on the stakeholder workshops and other events we will be hosting during the 6-week consultation will be revealed over the coming months. We look forward to talking with you about this important plan for the future of the Tall Buildings SPD. If you would like to register your interest in attending one of the workshops please email us at ldf@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

Welcome to the Tall Buildings SPD consultation page.

The development of tall buildings can positively contribute to the local environment and deliver significant growth to the local economy whilst also providing much needed homes. However, tall buildings can cause considerable harm to the character and identity of an area through individual or cumulative developments. Tall Buildings can also impact on the quality and safety of public spaces, generate adverse microclimate conditions, cause overshadowing and have a negative impact on amenity and views.

The Project

The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is developing a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to guide and influence the design and planning of tall buildings across the Borough.

In doing so, the SPD will assist in managing tall building proposals by setting out a theoretical framework, a spatial analysis, and guiding principles applicable to tall building development.

The project seeks to:

  • Define what a tall building is within the borough;
  • Identify locations where tall buildings may be appropriate;
  • Identify the character, setting and sensitivities of tall building zones;
  • Identify maximum heights that will be acceptable for tall buildings;
  • Consider tall building typologies in relation to building use, form, public realm, amenity, microclimate and quality of life.

Progress to date

In early 2021, we undertook early engagement to gather evidence and inform the draft Tall Buildings SPD. Since then, we have recorded and analysed your feedback and prepared the draft document. The draft document includes an evidence base which was prepared by consultants Urban Initiatives Studio.

Formal Consultation

The team are hoping to formally consult on the draft SPD late September 2021 for 6-weeks. During the formal consultation, we will seek to gather your valuable input and ideas as the Council develops this important planning policy project.

Workshops

As part of the formal consultation, we will be hosting workshops for areas across the borough focused towards residents, landowners, developers and other interested parties.

As part of these planned workshops, we will be presenting the draft SPD and evidence base document. In similar fasion to the early engagement events, the stakeholder workshops will be held for each of the four sub-areas in the borough as shown in the map below.

Further details on the stakeholder workshops and other events we will be hosting during the 6-week consultation will be revealed over the coming months. We look forward to talking with you about this important plan for the future of the Tall Buildings SPD. If you would like to register your interest in attending one of the workshops please email us at ldf@towerhamlets.gov.uk.