1. Are you able to provide an update on the maintenance works that have been taking place on site?
The on-site team has made good progress on the maintenance works that have taken place over the last year. Overgrown vegetation and debris have been removed, with trees pruned to clear the footpaths and walkways. New hoardings were also erected towards the end of last year.
We will continue to undertake maintenance works as required and update the wider community accordingly.
Should you have any questions about these works, please get in touch with the team by emailing: LCH@londoncommunications.co.uk
2. What did the previous plans to redevelop the London Chest Hospital site include?
The previous plans for the site were approved by Tower Hamlets Council in 2018, and included 291 homes (35% affordable housing), as well new public spaces. The proposals included the demolition of unlisted buildings and the Grade II listed South Wing, as well as the relocation of the mulberry tree.
The planning permission was overturned by the High Court in 2020, which ruled that the removal of the mulberry tree was illegal.
We have therefore taken the decision to develop an entirely new scheme here which is a better fit for the community and takes account of the concerns residents had about the previous proposals.
3. What will happen to the mulberry tree?
As part of our plans, the mulberry tree will remain in its current location.
We are looking at the possibility of creating a new public path around the tree, so residents and visitors alike can enjoy this important, cultural landmark.
4. How many homes will be provided in the new scheme?
Up to 280 homes will be constructed, with a greater mix of 2 beds and family homes (3- 4 beds) compared to the previous plans.
At least 35% of the homes will be provided as affordable housing and we are exploring opportunities to increase this where possible.
5. Do you have an idea what the future building heights will be?
The buildings are likely to range between 5 – 9 storeys, and will be appropriate to the existing architecture of the local area.
The taller elements will be focused on the corner of St James’ Avenue / Approach Road, screened by a large amount of greenery and trees, so as not to adversely affect residents’ views or daylight/sunlight levels.
6. How are your plans different from the application approved in 2018?
7. Are you retaining all the current buildings on the site?
We are looking to retain the Grade II listed buildings, incorporating them into our plans to redevelop the London Chest Hospital site.
Some buildings have however come to the end of their design life and will need to be demolished.
8. How will you manage construction to reduce noise, dust, vibrations and other disruptions for local people?
We will be submitting a Construction Management Plan as part of the planning application, outlining how intend to manage all on-site operations and minimise disruptions to our neighbours.
This will include details of how we intend to install monitoring equipment across the site to assess any disturbances, as well noise, dust and vibration levels.
A dedicated resident liaison officer will also be appointed, to be the primary point of contact for the community on general updates about the scheme.
9. Will you be holding any further public events?
In the summer we’ll be sharing more detailed plans with the local community.
Further details on the timings for this will be shared in due course.
10. When will you be submitting a planning application?
We hope to submit a planning application in the summer. During this time, we will continue to speak with our neighbours and local residents about the evolution of our proposals, answering any questions they might have.
11. How do I submit comments on the plans?
You can submit comments and complete our short survey on the ‘share your thoughts’ tab.
Alternatively, do contact us by:
Email: LCH@londoncommunications.co.uk
Phone : 0800 096 7217
12. When and why was the original hospital closed?
The hospital was closed in 2015, following a study by the Barts Health NHS Trust that concluded the buildings were no longer capable of meeting the needs of 21st Century medical services. All the hospital’s facilities were subsequently transferred to the Barts Heart Centre and St Bartholomew’s Hospital.