Tower Hamlets councillors have debated a plan to regenerate the Teviot Estate, which could see the construction of 1,928 new homes.
The Strategic Development Committee met on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, to discuss planning application PA/24/00922 for the Teviot Estate redevelopment. The hybrid application includes detailed plans for the first phase and outline plans for subsequent phases. The proposal includes the demolition of the existing 535 dwellings and the construction of new residential units, commercial space, and public amenities.
The application proposes 35% affordable housing, measured by habitable room, across the development. This includes options for social rent, Tower Hamlets Living Rent, and shared ownership. The affordable housing provision will depart from the usual policy requirement of a 70-30 split between social rent and intermediate housing.
Concerns were raised about the impact on local amenities and the level of affordable housing. Akla Su Rahman, speaking on behalf of Teviot State residents, questioned the affordability of the proposed homes, stating, It’s unclear how many of these will remain at true social rent, versus higher cost options like Tower Hamlets living rent.
Sheila Snoody, a resident of the Teviot Estate, voiced concerns about the density of the development. We did not want high-rise buildings. We did not want high-density,
she said. The size of our area cannot support 1,923 new homes.
Babu Bahachariji, Director of Communities and Neighbourhoods at Poplahaka, emphasised the community-led nature of the project. This regeneration has always focused on the community,
he said. From the very beginning, it has been driven by the people who have built their lives here.
Dan Massey, a Development Director at The Hill Group, highlighted the company's commitment to delivering high-quality regeneration. These plans for Tevye have been shaped by genuine engagement,
he said, and what's before you tonight have strong support from residents and local stakeholders.
Emran Ali, a resident of Tevye Estate and secretary of the Tevye Mosque, expressed full support for the regeneration. The plans for the whole Tevye Estate bring many positive benefits, including affordable homes that are up to the current decent living standards, better green spaces and safer streets,
he said.
Councillor Iqbal Hossain raised concerns about the loss of a football pitch in Langdon Park. The architect for the master plan, Justin Kelly, responded that there is space for a football pitch to remain in Langdon Park. Councillor Ahmad Al-Khan sought assurance that the community centre and mosque would be built in the first phase. Paul Buckenham, Head of Development, Management, Planning and Building Control, confirmed that the council would seek to secure those facilities through a Section 106 agreement.
The Section 106 agreement will include triggers related to the occupation of residential units before the completion of the community centre or the mosque. This means that the occupation of a certain number of residential units in the preceding phase may be restricted until the community centre or mosque is completed.
Councillor Asma Begum questioned officers about the major adverse effects and moderate adverse effects on a few significant buildings in relation to daylight and sunlight. Case officer, Nelupa Malik, explained that the applicant had undertaken two assessments. The initial assessment revealed major adverse daylight effects to 16 properties and major adverse sunlight effects to six properties. A supplementary assessment, which considered the effect of balconies and recesses, reduced the major adverse daylight effects to three properties.
After a lengthy debate, the committee voted in favour of granting planning permission, subject to conditions and planning obligations. Councillor Amin Rahman, Chair of Strategic Development Committee, confirmed that the committee had voted by a majority of eight in favour, with one abstention.
The specific details of the conditions and planning obligations are detailed in the Teviot Committee Report Final and Update Report Teviot Estate.
