Tamar Wilner,
Regen.net,
20 August 2008
Full planning permission for a development trust's proposed 43-storey tower has been granted by communities secretary Hazel Blears.
Blears rejected an inspector's recommendation to refuse permission for the Doon Street development planned by Coin Street Community Builders.
The project will include a 43-storey tower comprising a community sports centre, swimming pool and flats, and two other buildings of six and eight storeys.
These will house offices, shops, cafes and headquarters for the Rambert Dance Company.
In her letter of decision, Blears said: "The benefits of the scheme to the local community are substantial.
"The provision and ongoing funding (for 50 years at no public cost) of a sports centre and swimming pool complex would address the lack of sports facilities and activities in what is acknowledged to be a deprived area."
She said the scheme would also bring employment benefits and improve the appearance of the area.
Blears said these considerations outweighed the damage the tower would inflict on conservation areas.
Decision on application for planning permission by Coin Street Community Builders and Inspector's Report: Upper Ground and Doon St East, London are available here.
