Publication from Siân Berry: Letter to the Mayor to call in the Old Truman Brewery application

Dear Sadiq

Re: PA/20/00415/A1 planning application for the Old Truman Brewery site, Tower Hamlets

Constituents, civic groups and community groups have contacted me as they are deeply concerned about Tower Hamlets’ approval of this planning application for part of the Old Truman Brewery site, for which the decision notice was issued on 10 November 2021.[1]

I am writing to ask you to call in this application using your powers as laid out in the Town and Country Planning (Mayor of London) Order 2008. As outlined in this order, I believe this application meets part 6 (1) (b) “otherwise contrary to good strategic planning in Greater London”, specifically in respect to Category 3E, 2 (b).

There is huge concern from people across London, and beyond, at the negative impact this development will have on the nationally famous Brick Lane and its Bangladeshi community, as well as the deeper cultural and historical aspects of this area. Some 7,500 letters of objection were received, plus representation on behalf of 140 local businesses and traders, and a letter signed by 556 local residents.

In the officer’s report for this application it states that the Mayor’s Culture at Risk Office was an external consultee. Its view of the application was: “Potential risk to cultural heritage and character of Brick Lane; and potential for the proposed development to increase rental values in the local area.”[2]

I believe this development will cause harm to the adjacent Brick Lane and the Bangladeshi community and will damage the area’s cultural and historical context for all Londoners. I therefore urge you to call in this application and direct to become the Planning Authority.

I look forward to hearing from you on this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Sian Berry

Green Party Member of the London Assembly

cc Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills