Sailmaker’s Warehouse, Limehouse

Firstplan successfully led the planning process to secure highly contentious planning and listed building consents for the redevelopment of this prominent, derelict canal-side site in Limehouse, fronting onto Commercial Road.

The proposals involved the restoration and refurbishment of a number of Grade II listed warehouse buildings. Firstplan led complex negotiations regarding the heritage and planning implications of the proposed works for the buildings, making robust arguments in favour of the improved works in order to persuade both Historic England and London Borough of Tower Hamlets listed building officers to allow significant alterations and the loss of some historic fabric.

The proposed development of the adjoining derelict land was of even greater contention, involving the creation of a 134 room shared living development; one of the first of its kind in London. Firstplan successfully led the project team through pre-application discussions and the subsequent application process to secure planning consent at the first attempt.