Westferry submits new plans for mixed-use scheme in London

Westferry Developments has submitted a new planning application to London Borough of Tower Hamlets for the development of a new waterfront mixed-use scheme on the former Westferry Printworks site. The scheme will deliver more than 1,500 new homes, shops, restaurants, workspaces, public open spaces and two new parks. Westferry Developments first received a planning consent for former Westferry Printworks masterplan for a residential-led mixed-use scheme with 722 homes in August 2016 after which the buildings have been demolished and the site cleared ready for construction. However, the company has submitted a new planning application in response to the London Plan, in which The Isle of Dogs has been identified as an area that requires major investment in the delivery of new and affordable homes. The Mayor of London has sought nearly 66,000 new homes every year, with Tower Hamlets having a target of more than 3,500 per year. In addition to delivering more homes, the new scheme will also aim to deliver 35% affordable housing, three and a half times more affordable homes than the previous figure. The 15-acre site will provide 1,540 new private and affordable homes for purchase or for rent. The additional housing is a result of increase in the height of the buildings and adding one more building. New landscaped and public spaces are expected to increase the amount of open space on the Isle of Dogs. The design will provide a variety of spaces for different uses, including parks, gardens, dockside promenade, play fountains, play areas, outdoor gym, food growing area and woodland walk. The new application also aims at improving the quality of the housing across all tenures and the quality of the public open spaces. The development will also include independent restaurants, bars and shops.