Objection to planning application PA/22/00951/A1 (QMU at Mile End Lock)

To: Nicholas Jehan (case officer)

Dear Nicholas Jehan,

I am writing on behalf of the Friends of Regent's Canal to object to the plans to demolish Hatton House and to replace it with a seven-storey uninterrupted block.

We are pleased that the historic building at No. 357 Mile End Road is being retained but we are opposed to the height and mass of the new building.

The existing building blends in well with its neighbouring buildings and the nearby trees and its height is quite acceptable. However, the proposed building is disproportionate in size compared to the listed buildings at either end of it. It would ruin the character of the 200-year old lock.

The landscaping plans have caused some concern because they could encourage a lot of activity alongside the second lock chamber and there is a risk that any development at this location could prevent or interfere with any future revival of the second lock chamber. Currently this is used as a weir but it is important that this lock could one day be reconfigured as a dual chamber lock.

The developers have not committed to using the canal as a means of transport during demolition and construction. I have no doubt that there will be a condition to force them to carry out a feasibility study, but I am disappointed that a forward looking university has not taken the initiative to propose waterborne transport as a selling point of its plans. This is a unique site because it adjoins the waterway and there are two waste and recycling centres along this waterway, so any reliance on HGVs must be seen as a failing.

I urge you to reject this plan unless the developers agree to scale back the building height, step it back from the canal and commit to using barges rather than HGVs during construction.

Regards,

Ian Shacklock.
Chair, Friends of Regent's Canal

15th September 2022