100% private residential units approved in Bethnal Green - and the trees will have to go...

9.44.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 26th Sep 2007

These mature trees will go under the bulldozer...

Residents of Bethnal Green North are today saddened by the inevitable loss of 5 mature trees as a result of the decision by the Development Committee to approve the plans for 53 private residential units at the junction of Old Bethnal Green Road and Mansford Street.

The applicant, Tower Hamlets Community Housing, has pledged to replace the lost trees with some semi-mature specimens, however, as can be seen in the photograph, this will be little consolation to local residents who value the existing fully mature Robinia, Prunus and Acer trees.

Residents also raised concerns about the density of the accommodation, which at 905 habitable rooms per hectare substantially exceeds the Borough's own development guidelines. As well, the development will result in a loss of open space in an already crowded residential area close to several schools.

Following the meeting, the ward Councillor, Stephanie Eaton said "This is a sad day for the residents in the area who love the trees and can forsee the impact of this development on their environment. I also have concerns about the decision to permit 100% private housing in this one development. I recognise that across the project of 8 distinct sites there is some affordable housing, but the danger is that some parts of Bethnal Green will be earmarked for the rich and others set aside for the poor. This is clearly unacceptable and I will be asking officers for guidance on how this sort of divisive development can be avoided in future."