Tall buildings appeal allowed without Late Stage Review

Healey Development Solutions have been granted planning permission on appeal by an Inspector (Paul Jackson) for its tall building proposals at Glengall Quay, Isle of Dogs. The scheme, for a residential-led mixed use scheme, involves two towers of 30 and 26 storeys in height, designed by 3DReid Architects. Tower Hamlets LBC had refused permission inter alia  on the grounds of height and massing, non-compliance with policy, and failure to include a Late Stage viability review mechanism in the section 106 obligation. The Inspector found the buildings to be well designed, respectful of the prominence afforded to the Canary Wharf cluster in policy, and otherwise contextually appropriate. He also rejected the imposition of a Late Stage Review mechanism on the basis of the clarification of London Plan policy in R(McCarthy & Stone and others) v Mayor of London [2018] EWHC 1202 (Admin). The decision can be viewed here. Rupert Warren QC appeared for Healey Development Solutions, instructed by Martin Evans and Robert Garden at CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang. He called Mark Taylor of 3DReid, Peter Stewart of the Peter Stewart Consultancy and Mark Gibney of GVA.