400 new homes planned for the Isle of Dogs

Building work is due to start this year on 400 new homes on the Isle of Dogs.

Stratford-based East Thames Housing Group won planning permission from Tower Hamlets Council in November to regenerate a 1970s housing estate on Stewart Street, Cubitt Town.

The development will be dubbed New Union Wharf with the number of properties increasing from 189 to 400 ranging from one to four bedrooms - including town houses and medium-rise apartments - that will be available for social rent, shared ownership, and outright sale.

Architects Jestico and Whiles say they designed the homes to be modern and energy efficient with improved access to the river.

The existing estate will be replaced by a simple pattern of streets and low-to-medium rise urban blocks situated to make the most of the riverside view.

East Thames Housing Group say residents support the scheme, playing a role in its preparation and design over the past two years, and the existing community will be offered new homes before anyone else.

Geoff Pearce, East Thames director of development and property, said: “New Union Wharf is the first major estate where residents have chosen between full-scale regeneration or refurbishment to their homes.

“Since the residents made that decision, we’ve worked really closely with them to design the new homes, and I truly believe that their input has made a massive, positive difference to the quality of the scheme.

“The homes will not only provide a better quality of life for the existing residents, but will also offer a great new environment with housing opportunities for the local community.”