Big Yellow Wapping

DWD was appointed by Big Yellow Self Storage Company Limited to advise them on their development proposals for a mixed used development on The Highway and Pennington Street, Wapping within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

Big Yellow operated a self- storage facility on part of the development site but sought planning permission for a significantly larger and purpose-built facility. Part of the site was also previously used as a car showroom.

Phase 1 of the development comprises of the demolition of the existing buildings and the construction of a part five and part eight storey building to provide a self- storage facility and flexi- office accommodation that will be operated by Big Yellow. Phase 2 will provide two eight storey blocks that will provide 114 residential units comprising a mix of private and affordable tenure homes, ground floor flexible commercial/ retail units and a replacement nightclub. The replacement nightclub will have capacity for 1,600 people.

Mountford Pigott was the project architect. The application was recommended for approval by officers but refused by the Planning Committee in September 2022. The single reason for refusal related to concern regarding the use and opening times of the replacement nightclub, on the living conditions of the future residents.

The Inspector considered the noise evidence presented by both the Appellant and Council’s noise experts and concluded that with the imposition of relevant planning conditions, that the proposed development would not cause serious harm to the living conditions of future residents.

The Inspector considered the benefits of the scheme which include the delivery of housing, including 40 affordable homes; the redevelopment of a brownfield site; the retention of the nightclub which is identified by the GLA as a significant cultural venue; and the economic and regeneration benefits. Taking these benefits into account, the Inspector concluded that the benefits of the scheme would demonstrably outweigh any adverse impacts likely to be associated with it.

Following a four-day Public Inquiry, the Planning Inspectorate allowed the appeal and granted planning permission in August 2023.

Demolition works associated with the delivery of Phase 1 commenced on site in 2024. During 2024, DWD has supported Big Yellow on the discharging of S106 legal obligations and advised on the CIL Liability.