4. Planning policy context

4.0 Planning policy context

This section details planning policy applicable to the redevelopment of the Poplar Baths site.

4.1 The Tower Hamlets Unitary Development Plan [London Borough of Tower Hamlets, 1998]

The Tower Hamlets Unitary Development Plan (UDP) was adopted in 1998 and the review of the adopted UDP is now underway, prompted in some part by the policies published in the Draft Landon Plan (June 2002). A Key Issues Paper for the review of the UDP as consulted on in June 2002 and the first deposit for the new UDP is anticipated for July 2003. Liesure and recreational use The Poplar Baths site is designated in the UDP as a suitable location for a sports and leisure facility.
This designation arises from the strategic objective to provide and increase the range of leisure and recreational facilities in the borough. However, the Council recognises that mixed use development will be appropriate on the site given its proximity to excellent public transport facilities and the Council's intention to provide a major new leisure facility on Mile End Park.
This represents a significant change in the Council's policy on leisure provisian since the adoption af the UDP

Listed Buildings

Policy DEV40 states that subject to other policies in the plan, proposals for changes of use of listed buildings may be acceptable providing that the proposed use is not detrimental to the fabric of the building or the character of its setting. The UDP also notes that subject to other policies in the plan the Council will be flexible when considering Proposals for change of use particularly those which would enhance the building and ensure its future maintenance.

Where alterations to a listed building are proposed policy DEV37 states the special architectural or historical interest of the building should be preserved. This policy also notes that where appropriate endeavours should be made to retain the original plan form, retain and repair original external and internal architectural features and where possible replace any missing items.

The Council would not normally grant consent for the demolition or partial demolition of any listed building except where a strong case is demonstrated (policy DEV36) and the determining factors for gaining permission for demolition are noted as the relative importance of the building both architecturally and historically; the importance of any alternative use for the site; and the condition af the building and the estimated cost of its repair and maintenance.

The Council acknowledges that the cost af repairs to Poplar Baths may prove financially prohibitive for achieving a solely sports and recreational use and recognise that it may be necessary to incorporate a mix of uses in order to realise the necessary development value to facilitate development.

Figure 7: Extract from the Tower Hamlets adopted UDP proposal map (1998)

P O P L A R B A T H S P L A N N I N G B R I E F J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 3

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