Wharf, homes and student housing at Orchard Wharf, Trinity Buoy Wharf, London E14

The site and surroundings

The vacant safeguarded wharf lies beside the River Thames, East India Dock Basin and surrounding residential and mixed-use developments.

“Orchard Wharf is a safeguarded wharf located on the north bank of the River Thames within the Leamouth Peninsula. The site was previously used as an aggregate handling facility and has been vacant since 1993. The site was designated as a safeguarded wharf, first in 1997 and then subsequently in 2005 and 2020. The site is strategically designated for waterborne freight operations under the London Plan and Local Plan.”

“The application seeks full planning permission for the phased redevelopment of the site, comprising the demolition of existing structures and the construction of seven new buildings located above a Wharf Box logistics facility. At ground level, the proposal includes a wharf logistics facility with associated marine infrastructure for waterborne freight handling, together with 526sqm of commercial space fronting Orchard Place.”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Most representations objected to the development’s density, height, traffic, noise, environmental effects, loss of light and pressure on local infrastructure.

“Amenity - Nothing in the report that recognises the effect on neighbouring properties in terms of increased noise, air pollution, loss of light. - The buildings are too close to Agar House and the fire assessment is wrong. - Students have irregular schedules, and communal areas can become noisy during late hours which would negatively impact residents in the nearby vicinity.”

“Highways and Transport - The area is currently a quiet and peaceful cul-de-sac and would become overwhelmed by constant traffic coming and going from the wharf. - The development will add additional pressures on to an already overcrowded tube at Canning Town and DLR at East India Station. - D3 bus is already overcrowded in the mornings, and the development will impact this route.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two speakers spoke against permission, followed by a representative speaking for the applicants.

Members’ questions

Members asked questions about noise, compliance, student management, parking and access to the waterfront.

“The Committee in considering the report, presentation and representations asked questions regarding noise, compliance, student management, parking, and waterfront access.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee held a vote on granting permission and unanimously supported the officers’ recommendation.

“The Committee then agreed to hold a vote on granting planning permission.”

“Upon a unanimous vote in favour, the Officers recommendations as set out in the main report to grant planning permission were agreed. It was therefore…”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to referral to the GLA, a legal agreement with obligations, and the conditions and informatives in the report.

“RESOLVED; That planning permission at Orchard Wharf, Orchard Place, London, E14 be GRANTED subject to:”

“The conditions and informatives set out in the main report. 5.2”

Minutes