Consultation on skyscraper plans commences

Pic: JulianMason

A consultation began last week for plans to build the UK’s third tallest skyscraper in the Isle of Dogs. The plans were submitted to Tower Hamlets Council by developers Chalegrove Properties.

Councillors fear that this development project could place considerable strain on local infrastructure after Census results published in December 2011 showed a steady increase in the population of the Isle of Dogs.

On January 11, the Conservative councillor for Millwall, David Snowdon, told the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH): “I will be objecting, and I’m sure many residents will be. I don’t think the council recognizes the problems. It’s not doing anywhere near enough to invest in infrastructure.”

According to the plans, a 75-story skyscraper would be built on the site of the City Pride pub in Westferry Road. Chalegrove Properties have said the tower would provide 860 new homes.

Irish developers, Glenkerrin, were originally granted planning consent to build the structure in 2009. However, when the company dissolved, the site was sold to Chalegrove.

Based on these new plans, the skyscraper will consist of a 239m tower, just five metres shorter than Canary Wharf’s One Canada Square, which is London’s second tallest building. If the plans are approved, the additional features of the tower would include amenity floors, a roof terrace, basement car parking and cycle storage space.

Chalegrove Properties said: “The proposed development is a significant improvement on the existing planning consent.”

The skyscraper is to be designed by the UK-based architectural firm Squire and Partners. It will replace an earlier 63-storey proposal by Foster and Partners, also for the Westferry Road location.

Chalegrove Properties has also submitted a planning application for 173 residential units on 443-451 Westferry Road, situated opposite the skyscraper development site. The application involves construction of various smaller blocks ranging from three to five storeys, rooftop pavilions, underground parking, open spaces and associated community buildings.

Both of the schemes, the proposed skyscraper plans as well as plans for building homes adjacent the skyscraper site are aiming to provide 35% social affordable housing.

 

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