THE master plan’ for the future of London’s run-down East End till the year 2025 is being examined by the Secretary of State. Whitehall officials hold preliminary talks tomorrow (Tues) with Town Hall bosses at Tower Hamlets to plan a full inquiry in April

By Mike Brooke

THE master plan’ for the future of London’s run-down East End till the year 2025 is being examined by the Secretary of State.

Whitehall officials hold preliminary talks tomorrow (Tuesday) with Town Hall bosses at Tower Hamlets to plan a full inquiry in April into whether its practicable.

The Core Strategy document that will guide planning and development for the next 15 years and beyond has been under scrutiny in Whitehall since it was submitted by the council before Christmas.

It follows two years of public consultations when comments were received from householders, community groups, services and commercial developers.

Councillors are now waiting to see if the Strategy document passes the legal’ test from a panel of HM inspectors assessing it before the inquiry gets under way.

“This Strategy will have an impact on everyone living and working in Tower Hamlets,” said Marc Francis, Tower Hamlets council’s Lead member for housing and development.

“So we’re happy for it to be examined in detail, especially our targets for new social housing and efforts to protect the East End’s rich heritage and great public spaces.”

It outlines “a vision for each place,” describing what the East End will look and feel like in the next two decades, identifying when, where and how new homes, jobs and services will be delivered.

The Strategy was submitted to the Secretary of State on December 18. A pre-hearing meeting is being held tomorrow (March 2) with the full hearing starting April 12.