‘Watered down’ upgrade plans for Raine’s House could be approved next week

Historic Raine's House built in 1719, now a social club originally used as a school for the East End's poor. Picture: Google (Image: Google)

Grade II-listed Raine’s House was earmarked for an extensive £1.3million refurbishment and major repairs programme earlier this year.

But the upgrades were rejected after complaints from campaigners and community groups who would have been forced out of the council-owned building while work took place.

Watered down plans for roof repairs, boiler and window replacement and other maintenance will go before Tower Hamlets’ development committee on Thursday.

“Much of the current proposal comprises sensitive repair and restoration of the historic exterior fabric which is welcomed,” a report submitted to the committee states.

“These will include repairs to the roof and associated gutters along with repairs and repointing to the external walls.”

Council officers confirmed that the new application only relates to exterior works.

At a committee hearing in August representatives from several community groups based in Raine’s House said the original plans were “too modern” for the Georgian building, which was built in 1719.

Planning officers have recommended the new exterior plans for approval.

The report states: “The works are considered to preserve and enhance the special historical and architectural character and appearance of the Grade II-listed building.”