Controversial £1bn Westferry Printworks thrown out

Plans for Westferry Printworks, the £1bn development in the Isle of Dogs, E14, that had controversially been approved by former housing secretary Robert Jenrick, have been thrown out. Media tycoon Richard Desmond had sought to develop a mixed-use scheme of 1,524 flats on the former site of the presses for the Daily Express and Daily Star. Desmond’s property subsidiary Northern & Shell Investments lodged the plans for the 15-acre site in 2018, in partnership with development manager Mace. Jenrick’s approval of the 30-storey scheme in January last year, against the advice of the planning inspector, was later quashed because of “apparent bias” in favour of Desmond, a Tory party donor, provoking a major political row. As housing secretary, Jenrick had awarded consent overriding Tower Hamlet’s refusal and advice from the Planning Inspectorate. The timing of Jenrick’s decision allowed Desmond to avoid a £40m bill over the scheme, as a new community infrastructure levy rate was introduced by Tower Hamlets the next day. In papers released yesterday (18 November), minister for rough sleeping and housing Eddie Hughes dismissed an appeal for the project, agreeing with the planning inspector that it would cause harm to the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and views of Tower Bridge and the Grade I listed Royal Naval College. The decision letter listed benefits including the provision of housing, including affordable housing, employment during construction and CIL contribution. However, this was outweighed by the harm to the character and appearance of the area. The refusal means the 2016 consent for 737 homes remains. This allows for buildings of up to 30 storeys, with additional offices, restaurants and a secondary school. Image credit: PLP Architecture   To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@eg.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @EGPropertyNews