A controversial plan for a mixed-use scheme in Brick Lane, east London as been approved by the government.
The proposed Truman Brewery redevelopment includes a data centre, offices, retail, events spaces and residential but was widely opposed due to limited housing and concerns about the impact of the scheme on the local identity of the area.
Four separate planning applications were submitted in August 2024 by client Truman Estates and Zeloof LLP.
The proposals were sent to a public inquiry last October after an appeal against Tower Hamlets council’s failure to determine the application.
Last week housing minister Matthew Pennycook revealed the outcome of that inquiry in a formal decision letter sent on behalf of the new housing secretary, Angela Rayner.
Dispute over residential mix
The housing ministry found that the proposals were in accordance with the adopted development plan, in part due to their location within the City Fringe Opportunity Area.
It was acknowledged that an emerging local plan, a draft version of which was submitted in February after the close of the public inquiry, had proposed a residential-led allocation for the sites.
In the letter, Pennycook said that Rayner acknowledged the housing need in the area but that she had seen “no detailed evidence” of the “feasibility and deliverability of an alternative residential-led scheme.”
At a maximum of 29m, the proposed 5,200 sq m data centre will be significantly taller than the existing derelict building, which is set to be demolished.
The Boiler House and Cooperage on the brownfield site will be partially demolished and refurbished, along with the construction of five new buildings to create a 35,000 sq ft scheme, comprising residential, office, retail, food and beverage, community and event spaces, and a microbrewery.
The scheme’s project team includes masterplanner Buckley Gray Yeoman and architects that include Chris Dyson Architects, Carmody Groarke, Morris+Company, and Henley Halebrown.
