East London Approves 6 Tower Blocks for 850 New Homes

Key Points

• Six new tower blocks with a total of 850 homes are planned for an East London town.
• The development includes a mix of private, social, and affordable housing.
• The project aims to regenerate the area with modern residential buildings.
• Local concerns include the quality of affordable housing and potential impacts on existing infrastructure.
• Planning permission has been granted following council approval.
• Detailed architectural images of the proposed towers have been released.
• The timeline for construction and completion spans several years.
• Developers and council officials emphasise tackling local housing demand with this scheme.

What is the scale and scope of the new housing development in East London?

As reported by Emma Finamore of MyLondon, the ambitious new project involves the construction of six tower blocks in an East London town, which will collectively provide 850 new homes. This significant development aims to revitalise the area with a mixture of residential units including private, social, and affordable housing options designed to meet the diverse needs of the local community.

The scheme forms part of a wider regeneration effort intended to modernise the residential landscape, replacing outdated or less functional buildings with these tall, modern living spaces. The imagery released alongside the planning materials shows contemporary tower blocks rising prominently, indicating a marked transformation of the local skyline.

Who is responsible for the development and what type of housing will be included?

Developer Regal is responsible for the project, which includes a variety of housing tenures. According to Steve Harrington, a Regal representative, the development seeks to balance market demand with community needs, offering a substantial portion of social and affordable homes alongside private residences.

The local council has endorsed the project after a series of consultations and approvals, highlighting the urgent need for housing solutions within the borough. Planning officer Fran Haines noted that the new homes will alleviate some of the housing pressure by providing additional student housing as well as traditional homes, thus reducing demand on existing housing stock.

What are some concerns raised by local residents and community voices?

Ashley Lumsden, chair of the London City Island and Goodluck Hope Leaseholders’ and Residents’ Association, voiced concerns about the quality and suitability of some housing within the development. Lumsden referred to the project as a “huge missed opportunity” for more substantial family housing, cautioning that much of the affordable housing could be low quality and situated above an industrial site with 24-hour operational noise risks.

Lumsden stated, “I’m not convinced that this is good quality social housing… The social housing will have triple-glazed windows, yet the only ventilation if it gets too hot in summer will be opening windows to 24-hour noise.” He urged the council to focus on delivering more family homes in line with local policy.

How have the developers addressed noise and environmental concerns?

Steve Harrington addressed some of the noise concerns by explaining that the site is a ‘safeguarded wharf’ meaning it must remain capable of operating 24/7 for waterborne freight. The developers conducted an extensive noise assessment considering a worst-case scenario of up to 64 vessels operating per day. However, the actual operator, Thames Clipper, is expected to handle approximately nine vessels daily mainly between 6 am and 10 pm.

To mitigate noise impacts on residents, the flats will be equipped with mechanical ventilation and cooling systems, allowing occupants to avoid opening windows in noisier conditions.

What timeline and phases are anticipated for the construction and completion?

The council’s strategic development committee unanimously approved the plans on 3rd September 2025, recommending progression towards the detailed construction phase. The entire regeneration project promises to span several years, with phased delivery ensuring gradual integration of new homes into the neighbourhood and infrastructure upgrades where necessary.

The authorities underline that the project will help ease the borough’s chronic housing shortage while contributing positively to the urban renewal of the area.

What is the broader context of housing challenges in East London?

The housing development arrives amid wider London challenges, including stalled projects and rising costs, as noted in reports by the BBC and others. Some council-led initiatives have faced delays or suspensions due to increased building regulations post-Grenfell and escalating construction expenses.

Residents such as Niki, featured in the BBC coverage, face long waits for affordable housing, underscoring the critical demand for developments like the six new towers in East London. Local authorities advocate for more resources and streamlined building safety processes to expedite housing delivery.

How do the new towers fit into East London’s regeneration strategy?

The development is part of a major regeneration scheme aiming to replace outdated housing stock with modern, energy-efficient homes. According to Asian Standard’s reporting, new residential towers rising up to 13 storeys could overshadow neighbouring properties, sparking debate about the impact on existing neighbourhoods.

Despite these concerns, the regeneration is seen as essential to meet housing demand, improve the local environment, and stimulate economic growth. The six proposed towers will enhance the borough’s housing portfolio, offering a notable increase in available homes.

What do images reveal about the design and scale of the proposed towers?

The images released clearly illustrate the architectural vision for the six tower blocks with sleek, contemporary designs featuring large windows and balconies to maximise light and outdoor space. The towers vary in height but contribute to a cohesive skyline statement, reflecting modern urban housing trends.

The visualisations highlight green spaces and communal areas, underscoring the focus on livability alongside density within the development.

What are the next steps for the project?

With council approval granted, the developers plan to move forward with detailed planning and preparation. The phased construction approach will address infrastructure needs and integrate community feedback as the project progresses.