A planning application for 53 Grove Road E3 4PE (Texaco petrol station) PA/24/01789/A1
This is for the demolition of existing structures and buildings associated with the petrol station and the erection of 19 flats for sale.
There is a long history connected with the present application. Lengthy discussions between developers and the Council took place in 2018 about affordable housing and viability. In Feb 2019 an application was appealed based on non- determination of the application. The appeal was dismissed in July 2019 and the application was refused.
A 2014 environmental report submitted with the current application concluded (page 23) ‘The results of our environmental assessment indicate the following:
‘The concentrations of hydrocarbons identified in soil and groundwater pose a potentially unacceptable risk to site employees and neighbouring/future on-site residents (if/when the site was to be redeveloped ).
Further investigation, assessment and possibly remedial works will be necessary to address this potential risk.
The concentrations of hydrocarbons identified in groundwater also pose a potentially unacceptable risk to environmental receptors, notably: the underlying aquifer and a nearby groundwater abstraction. Further work is required to assess this potential risk in more detail.’
The safe removal of the underground fuel storage tanks and dealing with ground pollution is likely to be costly and hazardous.
Concern has been expressed that the Council might insist on a much taller building to include affordable housing. This would not be in keeping in the context of the neighbouring Clinton Road conservation area, Mile End Park or surrounding local townscape.
You can comment on the proposal by emailing:
development.control@towerhamlets.gov.uk