Timeline
A detailed timeline of Save Brick Lane community consultation activities is here
6 May 2020
Application submitted by Truman Estates (TE) to develop a shopping mall along Woodseer Street. Save Brick Lane is formed as a coalition to fight the development.
14 Sept 2021
TE shopping mall application approved by a 2-1 vote of the Strategic Development Committee (SDC) in spite of over 7000 objections October 2021 - Save Brick Lane (SBL) launch a Judicial Review to challenge the decision and campaign for a community-led Masterplan for the site.
October 2021
Save Brick Lane launches a Judicial Review to challenge the decision to approve the shopping mall.
May 2022
Aspire elected with a manifesto commitment to develop a Masterplan.
2023-24
Masterplan developed in consultation with the local community. It places a heavy emphasis on the provision of social housing, community facilities and open space. 345 social housing units are proposed.
July 2024
Legal challenge to the 2021 shopping mall application reaches the Supreme Court
August 2024
Truman Estates submit 3 new planning applications to develop across the Old Brewery and Bangla Cash and Carry sites. Office, leisure, retail with a small amount of housing on the Bangla Cash & Carry site.
September 2024
Brick Lane Masterplan SPD adopted by Tower Hamlets Council. SBL mount an exhibition with a model demonstrating how the Council’s plan for the site can be developed - it is displayed off Brick Lane over several months of consultation with the public. November 2024 - Truman Estates threaten legal action against the council. Masterplan is withdrawn.
March 2025
Supreme Court decides in favour of Truman Estates
11 June 2025
Truman Estates submit an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate on the grounds that the council is taking too long to determine the 2024 applications.
31 July 2025
Strategic Development Committee meeting scheduled at 6:30pm where the council will consider the applications and make a recommendation to the Inspectorate.. SBL to hold a day of action.
October 2025
Planning Inspectorate held a public inquiry to determine the applications. Mid-way through the Iniquiry, the decision was "recovered" by the Secretary of State, to whom the Inspector will deliver a report and recommendation. This coincided with an announcement in parliament that data centres were to be considered as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
January 2026
The Planning Inspector's report and recommendation is due to be passed to the Secretary of State for determination.
17 May 2026
The Planning Inspector's report is received by the Secretary of State, Steve Reed
31 July 2026
Secretary of State Angela Rayner publishes her decision - approval for all schemes.
There is a better scheme
The Truman Estates application – a development at home in the City of London with its heavy emphasis on office and commercial space in bulky office blocks, but entirely alien to the history, culture and small scale economy of Brick Lane.
The SBL alternative scheme - delivers on the LBTH Local Plan and focuses on social housing, community provision and affordable workspace.