Docklands News

Independent Conservative Tower Hamlets councillor Andrew Wood says he has been speaking to local residents about the possibility of giving the Isle of Dogs its own council. "If you’re going to have an area like Manhattan on the Isle of Dogs you need something from local government to respond to the development of a Manhattan-type area", he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service. "Outside of London it’s very common to have three layers of local government. It’s not in London, this is different and unusual for London, but outside of London this is very common".

My London (08/11/2021)  

Sadiq Khan has heralded a housing "sea of change" as his approach to getting more affordable homes built appears to be paying off. New figures have revealed a steady rise in the number being delivered on London developments. New analysis published by the mayor’s office showed that the average proportion of affordable housing being delivered per City Hall-approved scheme had nearly doubled since 2016 – to 40%. The figure was 22% in 2016. Between 2011 and 2016, which partly covers Boris Johnson’s time as mayor, this figure never reached above 27%, according to the new City Hall analysis. The number of affordable homes being delivered on developments approved by the mayor’s office has been steadily rising since 2016, the figures showed. 

Inside Housing (06/11/2011)  

Growth in UK house prices accelerated again last month, with the average property price now £270,027, according to the Halifax house price index. Prices rose 8.1% in the year to October, up from an annual rate of 7.4% the month before. With interest rate rises still on the horizon, Halifax said it expected house-buying demand to cool in coming months as borrowing costs rose. However, these would still be "low by historical standards", it added. "Raising a deposit is likely to remain the primary obstacle for many. The impact on property prices may also be tempered by the continued limited supply of properties available on the market," said Russell Galley, managing director at Halifax. October was the fourth month in a row of rising house prices, boosting the annual rate of growth to its highest since June. In regional terms, Wales remained the strongest performing area, with annual house price inflation of 12.9% and an average house price of £198,880. In England, the North West has returned to being the strongest performing region. Prices rose by 10.4% over the 12 months, with the average house costing £205,881. Average house prices in London are still far higher than elsewhere in the country at £514,907.  

BBC News (05/11/2021)  

A new study shows households spent more than £6.6bn on pandemic purchases that they no longer use. Gaming equipment, tools, clothes and home gym equipment are the commonly regretted purchases, according to data from the How We Live report.

The Times (08/11/2021)  

Stretching 4km along the northerly banks of the River Thames, the Royal Docks have been through a massive regeneration process over the last decade, with a diverse array of residential, commercial and retail developments. At the centre of the locality, just a few minutes from Gallions Reach DLR, sits Royal Albert Wharf which when complete will have delivered more than 1,850 new homes alongside an up-and-coming creative hub.  The newest phase, Parkside at Royal Albert Wharf, is the home of two new apartment buildings, Guthrum Court and George Court, containing 119 new homes from Notting Hill Genesis. A mix of apartments and duplexes available through private sale and Shared Ownership, they sport large, well thought-out layouts that maximise natural light and create bright, airy spaces. Amenities include modern kitchens complete with integrated appliances and master bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, plus smart meters, fibre optic broadband, USB sockets and low-energy lighting. One-bedroom apartments start from £367,500, with two-beds from £495,000 and three-beds from £595,000.

City AM (29/10/2021)  

A new footbridge to end congestion for thousands of Canary Wharf residents and commuters has been delayed. Plans for the South Quay bridge at Millwall Docks to cope with the rapidly-growing Isle of Dogs population were finalised in 2018 by Tower Hamlets Council with £7m from London Councils to begin construction. The proposed 80ft long pedestrian footway would replace the old, narrow footbridge linking the residential South Quay neighbourhood to Canary Wharf over Millwall’s South Dock. The council wants South Quay Plaza linked to Bank Street on the north side of the dock. But delays have been caused by where a footbridge would be sited. The  original suggestion would block dock moorings.  The bridge is now expected to open in 2022, the council’s website says. A town hall spokesperson said: “The footbridge scheme is gaining momentum and we're getting closer to this project to support development of the area. The timelines are only guides and subject to change".  

East London Advertiser (29/10/2021)