7-9 DAVENANT STREET, LONDON, E1 5NB

‘retrospective temporary part change of use from serviced apartments (Class C1) and education/office floorspace (Class F1/E) to temporary accommodation for asylum seekers (Sui Generis) for a period of three years with internal alteration. Retrospective insta llation of a fire door at south side elevation and replacement of front door with automatic sliding door at ground floor number 7 Davenant Street’

Authority: London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Change of use
Inspector: Wildgoose G

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

Whether the proposal is consistent with local policies relating to provision of employment and community facilities
Whether the proposal provides for a suitable living environment for its occupiers
The effect on the living conditions of neighbouring properties, with particular regard to matters of overlooking, noise and disturbance
The effect on public safety and security, including the evacuation procedures and means of escape from the building in the event of a fire
Whether the proposal would have adequate arrangements for deliveries, servicing and waste disposal

What decided it

The considerable benefits of addressing the clear and pressing need for temporary asylum seeker accommodation substantially outweigh the limited and temporary harm arising from the loss of approximately 430 sq.m of employment and community floorspace for a three-year period.

Plan policies cited: Policy E1 London Plan, Policy S3 London Plan, Policy H12 London Plan, Policy D3 London Plan, Policy D11 London Plan, Policy D12 London Plan, Policy T7 London Plan, Policy D.CF2 Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2031, Policy D.EMP3 Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2031, Policy D.H4 Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2031, Policy S.SG2 Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2031, Policy S.DH1 Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2031, Policy D.DH2 Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2031, Policy D.DH8 Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2031, Policy S.TR1 Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2031, Policy D.TR4 Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2031, Policy D.MW3 Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2031

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.