Plans to build the UK’s third tallest skyscraper including a cinema, hundreds of new homes and a children’s play area have been thrown out until further notice by Tower Hamlets Council.

East London Advertiser: An artist's impression of the towerAn artist's impression of the tower (Image: Archant)

The development would have seen a 75-storey, 239 metre tower built in Westferry Road on the Isle of Dogs.

But at a meeting on Thursday, the council’s planning committee overruled officers to defer the proposals, which would have brought an extra 900 new homes to the area.

Chair of the committee Cllr Helal Abbas cited the density of the development and a lack of public open space as reasons for the decision.

Tory Cllr David Snowdon, who represents Millwall, is among those who opposed the plan.

“I’m very pleased,” he said.

“I have had lots of residents complaining about ever more dense buildings. Some of the proposals coming forward at the moment are much higher density than in Hong Kong.”

In their application, developers Chalegrove Properties Limited (CPL) said a potential lack of open space would be tackled through the use of “amenity floors”, containing a library, a gym, cafes, a cinema and even a roof terrace.

A spokesman from the firm said: “CPL are reviewing options before the applications come back to and remain committed to the successful development of both sites.”

The scale of the development means it could be “called in” by City Hall, allowing Mayor of London Boris Johnson to make a decision on whether it ultimately goes ahead.

But chair of Tower Hamlets Council’s Strategic Development Committee Cllr Helal Abbas urged him to allow the local authority to reach a decision, adding: “The developer has opportunities to engage with the council’s planning department and address our concerns and we would be happy to look at it again.”

No date has yet been agreed for the final decision.