Appeal allowed: for design-led new employment and retail floorspace in Bethnal Green

DAO Estate Ltd has secured planning permission on appeal for the following development at 469 Bethnal Green Road: “Retention, refurbishment, rear extension and change of use of the existing three-storey warehouse building (Use Class B8) and the erection of a three storey extension to accommodate retail floorspace at ground floor level (Use Class E) and office floorspace on the upper levels (Use Class E), together with ancillary servicing and cycle parking.”. The scheme, pictured below, was designed by Carmody Groarke Architects, and would be partially in galvanised steel, a technique CGA used on their work for Anthony Gormley at his London studios. Key issues included townscape, heritage and the potential for prejudice to the development of neighbouring sites. Robert Walton QC acted for DAO Estate Ltd, instructed by DP9.