Stop the "Urban Village" Tower

2.08.52am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 10th Sep 2007

An artist's representation of the impact of the tower if it is constructed.

Tower Hamlets Liberal Democrats are supporting residents in Weavers ward in their fight against the appeal by the developers of the Urban Village. Speaking of the proposals, Libdem Ward Councillors Tim O'Flaherty, Louise Alexander and Abdul Matin stated "We are disappointed that the developers are going ahead with this appeal in the face of intense local objections. The proposed structure is too big, too high and entirely out of keeping with the area. We hope that the planning inspector will reject this appeal."

Local Councillors and residents do not feel the scale or design is appropriate for the area.

Tower Hamlets Councillors on the cross party Strategic Development Committee unanimously voted against the proposal in September 2006 and planning permission was refused. Despite substantial local opposition the developers have decided to appeal.

Local residents have formed the Columbia Neighbourhood Action Group (CNAG) in order to fight against the appeal made by the Urban Village developers who want to push through the scheme completely unchanged. Columbia Tenants and Residents Association (TRA), Boundary TRA, JHERA and many local shops and businesses have joined CNAG to fight the proposed development. There will now be a Public Inquiry starting on November 20th, 2007 (lasting for 8 days) and objectors to the proposal have been forced into the position of having to participate as an equal party, requiring costly legal representation, to ensure that their concerns are brought before the Planning Inspector.

Tower Hamlets Planning officers can only defend the Committee's decision to reject the proposal on planning grounds of design, mass and scale. CNAG are determined to ensure that other relevant grounds for refusal are heard at the appeal.

CNAG's main concern will continue to be the height and size of the proposed tower.

The other issues include:

• The adverse impact on listed buildings, including Shoreditch Church, Boundary Estate and Leopold Buildings, and adjacent conservation areas.

• The unacceptable mix of housing units with only 3% family accommodation.

• Inadequate green space.

• Urban Village concept has never been tried in the UK.

• Breaches many national and local planning guidelines.

• The proposal not tailored to meet local housing needs.

To receive further information about the campaign and to offer support, please email

columbianag@googlemail.com

or write to

CNAG

c/o 98 Columbia Rd,

London

E2 7QB