Communities and Local Government has rejected re-determined called-in proposals for a landmark housing scheme in the Thames Gateway, citing design concerns as well as flooding and safety considerations.
At issue were both full and outline applications for a housing-led redevelopment at Cory's Wharf, Purfleet, in Essex proposed by George Wimpey.
The schemes for between 571 and 659 new dwellings plus associated development had been refused on design grounds in 2006 but this had subsequently been quashed by consent in the High Court in September 2007 because the design objections were based on documents which were only illustrative.
The decision letter from the Communities secretary made it clear that the housing was needed as part of the Thames Gateway regeneration project but agreed with the inspector who held the original inquiry that the design of the full application exhibited a "wholly unsatisfactory and unacceptable standard of urban design". In respect of the outline application which implied a tall building, the SoS voiced doubts whether an excellent tall building design would emerge on what was a highly conspicuous "gateway to the gateway" location.
The letter also highlighted concerns expressed by the Health and Safety Executive over the proximity to a nearby oil storage depot and objections voiced by the Environment Agency over flooding issues, although the Communities secretary argued those objections could be met by suitable conditions.
