Policy information sourced from the Tower Hamlets Local Plan

S.OWS1 Creating a network of open spaces

Proposals will be required to provide or contribute to the delivery of an improved accessible, well-connected and sustainable network of open spaces through:

  • protecting all existing open space to ensure that there is no net loss (except where it meets the criteria set out in Policy D.OWS3)
  • maintaining the open character of Metropolitan Open Land (MOL)
  • improving the quality, value and accessibility of existing publicly accessible open space across the borough and neighbouring boroughs, in line with the Green Grid Strategy, Open Space Strategy, Local Biodiversity Action Plan and Sport England’s Active Design Guidance
  • delivering an improved network of green grid links in line with the Green Grid Strategy to enhance access to key destination points (town centres, community facilities and publicly accessible open spaces) and to and along water spaces, as well as provide ecological corridors for wildlife
  • maximising the opportunities to create/increase publicly accessible open space (including playing pitches and ancillary sporting facilities) with a range of sizes and for a range of users, particularly in the following locations (which are expected to experience the highest level of open space deficiency)
    • Bethnal Green
    • Blackwall and Cubitt Town
    • Bromley North
    • Bromley South
    • Canary Wharf
    • Limehouse
    • Poplar
    • Shadwell
    • Spitalfields and Banglatown
    • St Dunstan’s
    • St Peter’s
    • Weavers
    • Whitechapel
  • assisting with the delivery of enhanced new strategic publicly accessible open spaces at Lea River Park (including the Leaway) and within site allocations.

Inappropriate development on areas designated as MOL (as shown on the Policies Map) will not be permitted unless very special circumstances can be demonstrated in line with the requirements set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.

For more information please see the Local Plan