Tower Hamlets Council has rejected plans for a private, fenced-off square in the Isle of Dogs, branding the proposal a 'gated community' that would block access to London's 'green grid' of open space.
Property investor Gold Wynn had sought permission to transform a plot of land behind 4 Selsdon Way, Cubitt Town, into a landscaped square enclosed by fencing. The site, known as Waterman Square, formerly served as a car park for the Northern and Shell Tower office building and is currently being used as a construction yard as part of the tower's conversion into residential properties.
Council planning officers raised concerns that the scheme would involve 'fencing off a space that had previously been open', arguing it would 'create a gated community at this dockside location'. They said this would close off access to London's 'green grid' network of open space, which includes the adjacent dockside footpath.
Plans for Landscaped Square
Gold Wynn wanted to turn the land into a 'landscaped area' that would be 'used exclusively by local residents'. The plans included a grass lawn and 'pockets of fresh planting'. However, only residents of 4 Selsdon Way would have been able to access the square using a key fob or code.
Officers said that the square would be 'an improvement on the existing situation' but added: 'The introduction of gated access restricting the use of the site for residents of 4 Selsdon Way only would, however, create a gated community at this dockside location.'
Policy Violation
The officers said this went against town hall planning policy, which opposes 'gated communities which do not contribute to a well-connected, accessible and permeable public realm and socially inclusive and cohesive neighbourhoods'. As a result, officers refused to grant planning permission to Gold Wynn.
Gold Wynn ultimately intends to construct nine houses on the land, having submitted a planning application for this in 2024. The company said that this application is presently on hold, pending ongoing discussions regarding a draft planning agreement with the local authority.
