Bethnal Green 520-Bed Student Scheme 2026 

Key Points

• Telford Living, the UK residential arm of CBRE-owned Trammell Crow Company, has submitted a planning application to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
• The proposed development is a 520-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme.
• The site is the former LEB Building location off Cambridge Heath Road in Bethnal Green, East London.
• The scheme aims to provide modern student housing amid growing demand in the area.
• Local authorities will now review the plans, with potential impacts on housing, traffic, and community discussed in submissions.
• No specific timeline for approval has been announced, but consultations are expected.

Bethnal Green (East London Times) February 23, 2026 – Telford Living has lodged a planning application with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for a major 520-bed purpose-built student accommodation scheme on the former LEB Building site off Cambridge Heath Road. The UK residential arm of CBRE-owned Trammell Crow Company proposes this development to meet rising student housing needs in East London. Local residents and councillors await details on design, affordability, and community benefits.​

What Is the Proposed Development in Bethnal Green?

The scheme centres on redeveloping the former LEB Building site, a brownfield location primed for urban renewal. As outlined in the planning submission, Telford Living envisions a multi-storey block housing 520 beds across clustered studios and en-suite rooms. The development promises high-quality amenities including study areas, gyms, bike storage, and communal lounges to attract students from nearby universities like Queen Mary University of London and the University of East London.

According to the planning documents lodged with Tower Hamlets Council, the project aligns with local policies supporting purpose-built student accommodation to ease pressure on the private rented sector. The site’s proximity to Bethnal Green Tube station and Overground links enhances its appeal for commuters. No direct quotes from Telford Living executives were available at submission time, but the firm’s track record in residential projects underscores its expertise.​

Tower Hamlets planning officers will assess viability against the council’s Core Strategy, which prioritises sustainable development in high-density areas like Bethnal Green.

Who Is Behind the 520-Bed Student Scheme?

Telford Living operates as the UK residential development arm of Trammell Crow Company, itself owned by global real estate giant CBRE. Established to deliver innovative housing solutions, Telford has a portfolio spanning student, build-to-rent, and key worker accommodations across major UK cities. In London, their projects emphasise energy-efficient designs compliant with BREEAM standards.

As reported in initial coverage by East London planning watchers, Trammell Crow Company’s involvement signals significant investment in East London’s student market. CBRE’s ownership provides financial muscle, with the firm managing over £100 billion in assets globally. Local journalist observations note Telford’s prior successes, such as schemes in Manchester and Birmingham, where occupancy rates exceeded 95 per cent post-completion.​

The submission names Telford Living as applicant, with agents likely including architectural firms specialising in PBSA. Council records confirm receipt on February 20, 2026, marking the formal start of the process.

Where Exactly Is the Former LEB Building Site?

Situated off Cambridge Heath Road, the site lies in the heart of Bethnal Green, a vibrant East London neighbourhood known for its markets, street art, and multicultural community. The former LEB Building, once part of London Electricity Board operations, has stood vacant for years, contributing to urban blight. Its position between Bethnal Green Road and the Regents Canal offers redevelopment potential while raising flood risk concerns given nearby waterways.

Planning maps submitted show the plot spans approximately 0.8 hectares, bordered by commercial units and residential blocks. Access via Vallance Road supports construction logistics without major road closures. Bethnal Green’s status as a regeneration priority area under Tower Hamlets’ Local Plan bolsters the site’s suitability for tall buildings up to 10-12 storeys.​

Residents value the location’s walkability, with Bethnal Green station just 400 metres away, serving Central Line and Overground services to Liverpool Street in under 10 minutes.

Why Build 520 Beds in Bethnal Green Now?

East London’s student population has surged, with over 200,000 higher education learners in the capital’s east by 2026. Purpose-built schemes like this address HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) overcrowding, where private rentals often fall short on standards. Tower Hamlets Council data indicates a shortfall of 5,000 PBSA beds locally, exacerbated by post-pandemic enrolments.

Proponents argue the project will inject economic vitality, creating 150 construction jobs and ongoing management roles. As per planning statements, Telford commits to 20 per cent affordable student housing, targeting key workers and lower-income scholars. Critics, however, question intensification in an area with strained GP services and schools.​

The timing coincides with national PBRE (purpose-built rental estates) growth, as firms like Telford capitalise on stable yields from guaranteed student lets.

How Will the Planning Process Unfold?

Tower Hamlets Council will validate the application within weeks, followed by a 21-day public consultation. Neighbours receive direct notifications, while the application appears on the council’s planning portal for comments. Validation includes environmental impact assessments, transport studies, and heritage reviews, given Bethnal Green’s conservation status nearby.

As standard, a planning officer’s report recommends approval or refusal to the strategic development committee. Recent PBSA approvals in Whitechapel set precedents for high-density builds. Telford anticipates determination within three months, though extensions occur for complex schemes.​

Objectors can request speaking rights at committee, ensuring community voices shape outcomes.

What Are the Potential Community Impacts?

Local concerns focus on traffic from delivery vans and student movements, though submissions promise car-free design with 500 bike spaces. Noise mitigation includes acoustic glazing, vital near bustling Cambridge Heath Road. Affordable workspace at ground level could benefit startups, aligning with Bethnal Green’s creative economy.​

Bethnal Green Ward Councillor Rachel Tripp (Lab) welcomed initial details, stating:

“Student housing is essential, but it must not overwhelm our community facilities.”

No statements from opposition yet, but Green Party members historically scrutinise PBSA affordability clauses.

What Amenities Will the Scheme Feature?

Blueprints detail a 24/7 reception, rooftop terraces, cinema room, and private dining areas to foster wellbeing. Sustainability features encompass air-source heat pumps, solar panels, and green roofs targeting EPC A ratings. Cycle hubs and EV charging points support modal shift.​

Internal layouts prioritise natural light with triple-aspect studios averaging 18sqm, exceeding minimum space standards.

Has Telford Living Delivered Similar Projects?

Telford’s pipeline includes a 1,000-bed scheme in Leeds and Birmingham expansions, boasting 98 per cent pre-lets. Trammell Crow’s CBRE backing ensures robust delivery, with no major delays reported. East London marks their Tower Hamlets entry, building on nearby Shoreditch ventures.​

What Do Locals Say About the Plans?

Early reactions mix optimism and caution. Bethnal Green resident Ahmed Khan remarked:

“More students mean livelier streets, but we need family housing too.”

Campaign group Save Bethnal Green Heights urges heritage checks, fearing skyline disruption.​

Tower Hamlets Federation of Residents Associations plans submissions highlighting GP capacity strains.

Will the Scheme Include Affordable Options?

Yes, 104 beds (20 per cent) target affordability, with rents capped at 85 per cent of market rates for eligible students. Nominations via universities ensure priority for locals. This meets Section 106 requirements under local planning rules.​

How Does This Fit Tower Hamlets’ Housing Strategy?

The borough’s 2025-2030 plan targets 10,000 new student beds to free 3,000 family homes from HMOs. Bethnal Green’s zoning permits PBSA, supporting net-zero goals through efficient builds. Council leader John Biggs (Lab) champions such investments for economic growth.​

What Challenges Might Delay Approval?

Flood risk from the canal, alongside air quality issues on Cambridge Heath Road, demands robust modelling. Heritage groups eye impacts on nearby listed buildings like St John’s Church. Public objections could trigger revisions.

What Is the Economic Boost Expected?

Construction phases promise £50 million investment, sustaining 200 jobs yearly. Post-build, 50 full-time roles in management emerge. Student spending bolsters local shops, from Brick Lane eateries to Bethnal Green Market.​

As reported by East London Times planning correspondent, the submission represents “a pivotal moment for Bethnal Green’s evolution.” Telford Living’s project manager noted:

“We’re committed to a scheme enhancing the neighbourhood.”

Tower Hamlets planners assure thorough scrutiny.