Tower Hamlets Council's Development Committee has granted planning permission for a two-storey roof extension to the Theatre Building at 1 Paton Close, which will create nine new homes. The decision, made by a majority of four votes to one, allows for the construction of nine new dwellings, along with associated cycle parking, refuse and recycling storage, amenity space, landscaping, and restoration works to the existing façade.
During the meeting on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, councillors heard that the proposal had been recommended for approval by planning officers. They noted that the development would optimise the use of a sustainable site and contribute to housing delivery targets. The Theatre Building, a purpose-built residential block comprising 57 units, has become externally degraded and is in need of refurbishment. The restoration works to the existing façade include repainting the render, windows, and balustrades, as well as re-rendering the building in a grey colour to improve its appearance and accord with fire regulations. While the building is located within the Fairfield Road Conservation Area and adjacent to the Grade II listed Bow House, the report states that the existing building is of a utilitarian character and makes only a limited contribution to the conservation area's architectural significance.
However, objectors raised significant concerns regarding the adequacy of waste storage and cycle parking. Owen Fox, a leaseholder, stated that the current bin store was full and that the proposed new bins would be inaccessible. The existing ground floor bin store would be enlarged to accommodate an additional 1280L Eurobin for refuse, a 1280L Eurobin for recycling waste, and a 240L wheeled food waste bin. The Waste Officer's concerns about the practicalities of the waste proposals were noted, but it was believed this could be addressed with a condition requiring a Waste Management Plan. The location of the enlarged bin store is within the existing bin store at ground floor level.
Stuart Robinson, another objector, questioned the structural integrity of the building to support two additional floors and highlighted potential amenity impacts during construction. It is acknowledged that construction activities will inevitably cause some short-term noise and disturbance to occupiers of the existing building and the surrounding area. Measures to mitigate these impacts include the submission of information in line with the Construction Code of Practice framework, secured through a Section 106 agreement. Environmental Health officers have also recommended conditions securing a Noise Insulation Verification Report for the new residential units, a Construction Environmental Management and Logistics Plan, and restrictions on demolition and construction activities. For air quality, conditions requiring an Air Quality Assessment and Dust Management Plan, alongside conditions for construction plant and machinery emissions and gas-fired boilers, are recommended.
Councillor Iqbal Hossain expressed concern about the lack of affordable housing provision, noting that the nine units did not trigger the requirement for on-site affordable housing. The scheme will include a financial contribution of £622,337.34 towards affordable housing, to be secured via a Section 106 agreement.
Officers responded by recommending a pre-commencement condition requiring a waste management plan. Regarding cycle parking, Transport for London (TfL) raised concerns that the use of a wheeling channel on an existing staircase did not appear satisfactory for access to the proposed new cycle parking. However, the council's highways officers are satisfied with the proposed solution, which includes a cycle stair ramp to the podium level, having undertaken a site-specific assessment concluding acceptable levels of accessibility and usability. The meeting notes that TfL don't normally comment on these type of applications
and their remit is usually more strategic.
Fire safety concerns were addressed by noting that the Building Safety Regulator was content with the fire safety design. Detailed fire safety measures, including the final specification and design of the sprinkler system and associated infrastructure, will be developed through the detailed design process and addressed at Gateway 2. At the Gateway 1 stage, the applicant was unable to confirm the precise requirements for the sprinkler system. A condition was also proposed to ensure that cladding remediation works would be completed before the development commenced.
Further details on the proposal can be found in the Public reports pack for the Development Committee meeting on 1 September 2026.
