Aerial image of Tower Hamlets and the Thames.
Tower Hamlets Council has formally submitted its draft new Local Plan to the Secretary of State for independent examination (Monday 16 February).
This is a major milestone in shaping one of London’s fastest‑growing boroughs.
The Local Plan is the borough’s most important statutory planning document, outlining a long‑term vision for how growth and development will be managed across Tower Hamlets between 2023 and 2038.
Once adopted, it will guide planning decisions, help deliver vital infrastructure, and ensure that development meets the borough’s key priorities, including tackling overcrowding, addressing inequality, and supporting sustainable, well‑connected neighbourhoods.
The Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman said:
“Submitting this Local Plan for independent examination marks an important milestone for our borough. It is about ensuring that growth in Tower Hamlets works for everyone.
“We want to create sustainable, well‑connected neighbourhoods while protecting our environment, our heritage, and the unique character that makes this borough such an extraordinary place to live and work.”
The new Local Plan sets out a detailed policy framework covering:
- Housing delivery and genuinely affordable homes – including increasing affordable housing to 40%
- Jobs, skills, and thriving town centres
- Environment, climate resilience, and biodiversity
- Design quality, heritage, and connectivity
- Community infrastructure, open spaces, and waste management
It also identifies strategic site allocations for major development, helping the borough secure schools, health facilities, transport improvements, and other essential infrastructure for its growing population.
Tower Hamlets is projected to have one of the fastest-growing populations in the UK, with its population expected to increase by approximately 20.4% between 2022 and 2032.
Preparation of the new Local Plan began in 2022 and has involved four rounds of public consultation. This includes early engagement and a full Regulation 18 consultation in late 2023. A Regulation 19 consultation followed between September and October 2024, with public events held across Idea Stores in the borough. Further focused consultation took place in 2025 to refine policy proposals ahead of submission.
David Joyce, Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration said:
“This reflects years of detailed work and extensive engagement with residents, businesses, and community organisations. The plan sets out a clear and ambitious framework to deliver genuinely affordable homes, high-quality jobs, thriving high streets, and the infrastructure our communities need to flourish.”
Submission of the draft plan triggers the formal examination process, as set out under Regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012. An independent planning inspector will be appointed shortly to assess whether the plan is sound and legally compliant in line with the National Planning Policy Framework and may recommend modifications before the Plan can be adopted.
Public hearings are expected to take place this summer, followed by consultation on any recommended modifications. Subject to the outcome of the examination, the plan could be fully adopted by late 2026 or early 2027.
Once adopted, the Tower Hamlets New Local Plan 2023–2038 will replace the borough’s current Local Plan, adopted in 2020.
More information is available at: Local Plan Examination
Posted on Tuesday 17th February 2026