PLANNING HISTORY

REDEVELOPMENT AND POLICY ATTEMPTS

Public sector led
The Docklands Joint Committee was formed, alongside partners including the GLC, borough borough leaders and the Docklands Forum, to develop a strategic plan that would address deficiencies in East London.
4 phases proposed from 1982-1997 with housing, industry, services and public open space planned
Proposals failed due to the DJC having no real powers and access to finance. Local boroughs acted in their own interests and land allocations went against popular trends.

1976 LONDON DOCKLANDS STRATEGIC PLAN

An exert from the 1976 Docklands Strategic Plan.

Community led plan
The Newham Docklands Forum was developed by the people, for the people to create an alternative approach to typical top-down regeneration.
The plan sought to create equal opportunity and access to employment, education, services and housing for local people.
Support and initial funding was provided by the GLC owing to its socialist views of the time but the plan ultimately failed due to insufficient funds to enable delivery of the full master plan.

1983 PEOPLE'S PLAN

Community action group in favour of the People's Plan

ROYAL DOCKS OPPORTUNITY AREA FRAMEWORK 2016

Jointly produced by GLA and associated borough councils.
The creation of a strategic framework that plans for the future of the Royal Docks including homes, jobs and infrastructure up to 2041.
Aims to provide a 'connected and resilient place'.
States 'the historic Millennium Mills will be established as an accessible local landmark'.
Its statutory status allows it to be a powerful tool in helping to shape future local plans and guide future development proposals.

Exert from the Opportunity Area Framework.

THE SILVERTOWN PARTNERSHIP 2015

Newham Council granted planning permission for the most recent redevelopment proposal in 2015.
This plan and public sector led model will see the Silvertown Partnership, comprising developers Lendlease and Starwood Capital, deliver the £3.5 billion project in 6 phases.
Recent planning amendments now propose the delivery of 6,000 new homes (50% affordable) and 1.8 million sqft of commercial space.
The GLA holds limited powers due to its lack of funds and the need to keep investors on side.
Community consultation has led to the co-authorisation of design guides however the regeneration model chosen has ignited fears that the development will be built to satisfy shareholders rather than local people.

Rendering of the Silvertown Partnership's new vision for the site

REFLECTIONS

From the above research, it is clear that local residents have strong opinions on how they would like their neighbourhood to develop. On multiple occasions they have actively participated in the planning process, whether through peaceful demonstrations or the creation of community forums, and such willingness should be harnessed throughout the development process to enable meaningful and sustainable change. Research has also highlighted that many schemes have succumbed to funding issues and this reiterates the need for sufficient upfront and continued funding to ensure financial viability and eventual delivery after what has been a decades long process of regeneration.