Member Article

Rejected: British Land’s Shoreditch Estate thrown out by Tower Hamlets

A proposal for the Norton Folgate scheme, also know as the Shoreditch Estate, has been rejected by Tower Hamlets council.

British Land, the developer behind the project, had plans to build 320,000 sq ft of office, residential and retail floor space in the trendy London borough after acquiring the land from the City of London two years ago.

The controversial scheme has faced backlash from local residents who have been concerned about the demolition of historic buildings in the area.

Other campaigners noted that the office space would be used by one, corporate tenant and would not be beneficial to small local businesses.

A spokesman told City A.M.: “Last night at the strategic development committee, the committee resolved not to follow the officers’ recommendation to approve the Norton Folgate planning application.

“The committee raised concerns around the impact that this would have on the historic buildings and the conservation area. They also expressed concern around the general level of housing as well as affordable housing in the planning proposals.”

In a statement, British Land added: “We are disappointed the planning committee didn’t recognise the considerable merits of our scheme. We are now considering our options.”

A City of London spokesman said: “We’re aware that British Land are considering their options and are in discussions with the company.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .