Published:
1:49 PM May 20, 2021
Keeping check on Isle of Dogs expansion... legal Neighbourhood Plan now adopted by Tower Hamlets Council
- Credit: IoD Forum
The long-awaited Isle of Dogs Neighbourhood Plan to keep checks and balances on mass development in Britain’s most densely-populated urban space has been formally adopted into planning law.
It was agreed unanimously by Tower Hamlets Council on May 19 as its official planning policy for the tightly-packed area locked on three sides by the famous loop in the Thames.
Boomtown... never-ending construction on the Millwall waterfront.
- Credit: IoD Forum
There was some concern on ruling Labour benches that it could have gone further in a drive for more “affordable” housing in ratio to the number of office and luxury skyscraper developments that have strained mains supplies, public transport and health and social services as the area population mushrooms.
Massive developments on Isle of Dogs now face checks and balances after referendum victory
- Credit: Neighbourhood Forum
Campaigners have won the referendum to make the long-awaited Isle of Dogs Neighbourhood Plan legally binding and temper developments putting strain on mains supplies.
The newly-recognised neighbourhood forum, which has been campaigning since 2014 for more planning controls, got 7,874 yes votes and only 1,264 no votes - an 86 per cent win for adoption - in a referendum held on May 6.
Neighbourhood Forum at 2019 public hearing at Jack Dash House in Canary Wharf
- Credit: Mike Brooke
There was a 37pc turnout out of the 25,000 registered voters in the Isle of Dogs planning area for the referendum, held the same day as the Tower Hamlets referendum for mayor and London Assembly elections.