Bow Wharf: Letter of objection from the Forum

On 2 November 2026 the Roman Road Bow Neighbourhood Forum submitted a formal objection to Tower Hamlets Council on the Bow Wharf planning application (PA/26/01692/A1).

The Forum supports new homes at Bow Wharf and doesn’t oppose development of the site in principle. However, we have asked the Council to refuse this scheme so that a better one can come forward. Our objection rests on several grounds. Only 20% of the homes would be affordable, well below the 35% minimum in Tower Hamlets and London Plan policy, and the scheme would add pressure on local infrastructure. The scale and height of the new blocks, particularly Block D on Grove Road, would harm the Regent’s Canal and Driffield Road Conservation Areas and the two locally listed buildings on site. The banqueting venue would be lost as a community facility, and canalside public space would shrink. The proposals would also remove employment floorspace without the evidence the Local Plan requires, and they include no new leisure or recreational provision, as our Neighbourhood Plan policy HE1 requires. Finally, the applicant has not engaged early or inclusively with the community.

We would welcome the chance to work with the Council, the Canal & River Trust and H20 Urban on a revised scheme with more affordable homes, a lower Block D, and substantial leisure, community or employment uses in line with the Neighbourhood Plan.

You can read our full objection letter here: