London Mayor Boris Johnson is continuing to challenge major developments in London and this week objected to plans by Leo Noe’s Reit Asset Management and Apollo Real Estate to develop St Katharine’s Dock.
The mayor has instructed Tower Hamlets to refuse planning for the proposed redevelopment of Commodity Quay and International House to provide more than 280,000 sq ft of office space and additional retail and restaurant space.
Lack of housing
He said that: ‘the proposed lack of housing in this application does not comply with London Plan policies on mixed-use development and the Central Activities Zone.'
Johnson has requested that the plans be redesigned to include an off-site housing provision. In a report sent to Tower Hamlets he also asked for further detail on en energy strategy, air quality modelling, living roofs and transport measures.
Further community contributions needed
He has requested that an employment and training strategy and a contribution for community needs, including healthcare and childcare be made.
‘Subject to the resolution of these issues the application would comply with London Plan policy,’ said the report.
Planning is contentious at St Katharine’s Dock and REIT has already redesigned the scheme before removing a 15-storey residential tower from original masterplans designed by architect Gaunt Francis.
DP9 is planning adviser. Knight Frank, Ingleby Trice Kennard, DTZ, E A Shaw and Savills advise Reit.
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