Sadiq Khan's deputy could overturn council's refusal of 46-storey student tower in Canary Wharf
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A London council’s decision to reject plans for a 46-storey student accommodation block has been ‘called in’ by Sadiq Khan’s deputy mayor for planning, who could allow the project to go ahead. Deputy mayor Jules Pipe argues that the scheme at 7 Brannan Street in Canary Wharf could play a valuable role in “delivering sufficient student accommodation to support the contribution of higher education providers to London’s economy and labour market”.
![[A concept image of the north elevation of the proposed building at Brannan Street, showing the ground floor level. ]](https://static.standard.co.uk/2025/01/08/12/48/Brannan-Street-north-elevation.png?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
The plan was narrowly voted down by Tower Hamlets Council at a meeting of the authority’s strategic development committee in December. Four councillors voted against the advice of the borough’s own planning officers by refusing permission for the project, while three voted in favour of it.
Councillors opposed to the scheme had argued that it could lead to an increase in “anti-social activity”, “noise and disturbance” for neighbouring residents, and that it was an “inappropriate location for student accommodation”. But in a letter to the council, Mr Pipe wrote: “The proposals would contribute towards the delivery of housing, making a positive contribution towards London housing targets.
“As such, the non-delivery of 912 student bed spaces is considered to impact upon the implementation of the London Plan.”. The London Plan is Mr Khan’s blueprint for future development in the capital, which sets out how much housing and infrastructure needs to be built to meet the needs of the city’s growing population.
