Residents raise concerns over plans for East End student complex

PLANS for an East End `education facility were deferred by Tower Hamlets councillors after residents raised concern about the studentification of Mile End. Councillors on the development committee last week wanted to reject the plans but were persuad

PLANS for an East End `education facility' were deferred by Tower Hamlets councillors after residents raised concern about the "studentification" of Mile End.

Councillors on the development committee last week wanted to reject the plans but were persuaded by planning officers to defer their decision to allow further reports on the development to be prepared.

Under the plans a building up to nine stories high opposite Queen Mary College would provide a new education facility with housing for pre-university students.

Resident Brenda Daley from the nearby Ocean estate told the committee that it would lead to a further "studentification" of the area with "a student township of bars and clubs." This she said would lead to a lack of community cohesion. She also said the development would "deprive" residents of accommodation.

But officers said its location on the busy Mile End Road would not be suitable for family accommodation.

Housing chief Marc Francis told planning officers he had concerns about the height of the building and wanted officers to explore ways of ensuring that jobs at the building would go to local people.

Planners said the building would provide teaching, maintenance and security jobs for local people.