Tower Hamlets Council's Development Committee has deferred a decision on a planning application for a demountable terrace at Discovery Dock Apartments East due to significant fire safety concerns.

The committee met on Thursday, 26 March 2026, to consider the proposal for a terrace structure with a retractable canopy and seating at the ground floor unit of the Discovery Dock Apartments East building on 3 South Quay Square.

Aerial view of the Discovery Dock Apartments East site, highlighted with a red outline, where a planning application for a demountable terrace structure was discussed.
Aerial view of the Discovery Dock Apartments East site, highlighted with a red outline, where a planning application for a demountable terrace structure was discussed.

While officers recommended the application for approval, objectors and some councillors raised worries about fire safety, particularly in light of the building's 'high risk' designation due to cladding issues. Specific concerns included the Building Safety Regulator's assessment potentially not fully considering ongoing cladding remediation issues, as questioned by Councillor Mufeedah Bustin. An objector highlighted a letter from the Building Safety Regulator (dated February 4th) noting fire risk issues with external walls and a 'waking watch' in place since February, questioning the claim of non-combustible facades given the building's 'high risk' status.

Architectural rendering of a proposed demountable terrace structure at Discovery Dock Apartments East, adjacent to a waterway with a yacht docked.
Architectural rendering of a proposed demountable terrace structure at Discovery Dock Apartments East, adjacent to a waterway with a yacht docked.

Further concerns were raised about the functionality of a fire hydrant located outside the restaurant, with the applicant's response being don't know. There were also questions about whether the fire brigade could quickly dismantle the retractable canopy in a fire incident to allow a vehicle to fight a fire in a flat above. A report indicated that a fire on the external terrace could produce large flames that reach the glazing above, potentially causing the glazing to fail and allowing fire to spread to level one, where there are residential units and residents may be asleep.

Although the applicant stated that non-combustible materials would be used for furniture, the canopy, and the structure, and that fire exits would be maintained, Councillor Bustin expressed discomfort with assuming the Building Safety Regulator had fully considered the interrelationship between the terrace proposal and the ongoing cladding issues. Officers explained that the regulator was consulted solely on the terrace application itself, with broader Building Safety Act compliance to be addressed separately.

Exterior views of Discovery Dock Apartments East, 3 South Quay Square, London, E14 9RZ, the site of a planning application for a demountable terrace structure.
Exterior views of Discovery Dock Apartments East, 3 South Quay Square, London, E14 9RZ, the site of a planning application for a demountable terrace structure.

Acknowledging the members' concerns, the committee voted to defer the application. The aim is to allow for updated comments from the Building Safety Regulator to clarify how ongoing fire safety issues affecting the wider block have been considered. The next Development Committee meeting is scheduled for April 23rd, and it was suggested that the information might be obtained in time for that meeting. The Chair also requested to be kept informed once the information is obtained, rather than waiting for the committee report. The committee also noted that they could seek comments from the council's own fire safety team.