Supplementary guidance
Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) provide detailed guidance on the way in which policies in the Local Plan will be implemented in particular circumstances or areas. Tower Hamlets Council currently has seven adopted SPDs.
There are also a number of SPDs that only apply to the London Legacy Development Corporation area until a new Local Plan is adopted. These can be found on the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) page.
Adopted guidance
Central Area Grood Growth SPD
The Central Area Good Growth Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was adopted on 28 July 2021.
This SPD provides design guidelines supporting the development of high-quality, small-scale housing developments in the central sub-area of the borough.
The SPD’s design guidelines are based on a character appraisal of the area to ensure that residential developments on small sites are sympathetic to the surrounding context and that anticipated development and growth is achieved in a balanced and positive way.
The SPD is a material consideration for developments on small sites located in the Central Area of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, although it may also provide guidance that is applicable for residential developments on small sites located elsewhere in the borough.
Queen Mary University London SPD
Queen Mary University London Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was adopted on 28 July 2021.
This masterplan for the Queen Mary University London campus in Mile End outlines the development opportunity for the campus and seeks to ensure proposals are in line with the interests of the local community and stakeholders.
The SPD also takes into consideration the important spatial context surrounding the campus, including the Mile End Hospital, the Regent's Canal and Mile End Park.
Reuse Recycle Waste SPD
The Reuse, Recycle and Waste Supplementary Planning Document was adopted on 28 July 2021.
This SPD provides guidance to ensure the delivery of the council’s adopted Local Plan policies with regard to the storage and management of recyclables and waste, and the implementation of high-quality on-site waste management systems.
The SPD sets out guidance for developers on how reuse, recycling and waste management should be addressed in proposals for new residential and mixed-use development.
South Poplar Masterplan SPD
The South Poplar Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document was adopted on 28 July 2021.
The South Poplar Masterplan SPD provides supplementary guidance to ensure the vision and objectives set out in the Local Plan and Isle of Dogs and South Poplar Opportunity Area Planning Framework are delivered.
This masterplan area covers approximately 30 hectares of land through South Poplar and Canary Wharf and has been adopted to enable clear and robust guidance to inform and be implemented in development proposals coming forward in the very near future.
The SPD seeks to sustainably manage anticipated growth in the area, ensure appropriate public benefit is extracted from development opportunities and ensure that the benefits of growth is delivered and shared across the wider South Poplar community.
High Density Living SPD
The High Density Living Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was adopted on 16 December 2020.
The High Density Living SPD provides supplementary guidance on the design of high density residential and mixed use developments. The SPD supports the Local Plan, in particular:
- Policy S.DH1 - Delivering high quality design
- Policy D.DH7 - Density.
The SPD pledges to improve the quality and fairness of housing and make development work better for Tower Hamlets residents.
View the adopted High Density Living SPD
Planning Obligations SPD
The Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document was adopted on 24 March 2021.
The SPD explains the council's approach to planning obligations and aims to clarify the types of planning obligations that may be sought and the method for calculating the amount of these obligations.
Development Viability SPD
Opportunity Area Planning Framework
The Opportunity Area Planning Framework provides guidance on the implementation of policies for development within an Opportunity Area, as set out in the London Plan 2021. The framework aims to work as a strategic planning framework which sets out planning, regeneration and design guidance for Opportunity Areas.
Isle of Dogs and South Poplar Opportunity Area Planning Framework
The Mayor of London adopted the Isle of Dogs and Opportunity Area Planning Framework (OAPF) on 14 October 2019.
The OAPF was developed in collaboration with Transport for London and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
City Fringe Opportunity Area Planning Framework
The Mayor of London adopted the City Fringe Opportunity Area Planning Framework (OAPF) on 31 December 2015. The OAPF was developed in collaboration with Transport for London and the London Boroughs of Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets.
This area has been identified with potential for 15,000 new homes and 50,000 new jobs by 2041.
Olympic Legacy Opportunity Area
The Mayor of London adopted the Olympic Legacy Opportunity Area Planning Framework (OAPF) in January 2007. The OAPF was developed in collaboration with the London Boroughs of Hackney, Newham, Waltham Forest and Tower Hamlets.
Poplar Riverside Opportunity Area
The Mayor of London designated this opportunity area in 2021, after it was previously part of the Lower Lea Valley designated in 2004. It is currently an emerging framework and part of the Thames Estuary Growth Corridor.