Tower Hamlets resolves to grant outline permission for 3,000-home Wood Wharf plans

The proposals for the site, in the north east of the Isle of Dogs, include 30 new buildings with a mix of homes, offices, shops and community uses. Building heights and commercial uses will increase westward towards Canary Wharf and taller residential buildings will line the South Dock. Over 3,000 homes are planned, 604 of which will be affordable, with a further financial contribution to be agreed towards off-site affordable housing.

The scheme is proposed to provide a health facility with nine GPs, a 420-pupil primary school, a privately run leisure centre and an "Idea Store" learning centre. At least 25,000 square metres of publicly accessible open space will be created, with two parks, dockside boardwalks, a market square and a square for occasional events.

The proposals were on the agenda for a meeting of the Borough's strategic development committee on 21 July, having been recommended for approval, subject to conditions and mayoral approval, in an officer's report (166-page / 7 MB PDF).

"Officers consider this development would rejuvenate this strategically important, but currently under-utilised, brownfield site," said the officer's report. "It would have a highly significant impact in providing the homes, in particular affordable homes, the Borough needs along with a very significant range of jobs and social infrastructure and expanded shopping opportunities to meet the needs of the local community."

"The development would create a mixed and balanced community that would integrate into the local community and assist in spreading the benefits of this globally significant location into the surrounding area," said the report.

Construction at the site is expected to commence in 2014 and continue over an eight to ten year period, subject to detailed planning approval.