The development would replace a timber yard and is set to be decided by councillors next week, reports Nick Clark, Local Democracy Reporter

An artist's impression of how the shared living building will look (credit Stockwool Architects) — An artist’s impression of how the shared living building in Plaistow will look (credit Stockwool Architects)

Plans to demolish a timber yard in Plaistow and replace it with a ‘shared living’ housing block are set to be determined by Newham councillors.

Property developer Lichfields wants planning permission for the 175-room scheme at a timber yard in Ashburton Terrace.

The developer claims the scheme would be equivalent to 97 “traditional” homes and would “meet the needs of local people in Newham”.

Councillors are set to decide whether to approve the scheme at a strategic development committee meeting on Tuesday (9th).

The nine-storey housing block would contain “co-living” studio flats that are similar to modern student accommodation.

Council planning officers are recommending that the committee votes to approve the plans.

They say the 175 rooms would “contribute to a mixed and inclusive neighbourhood by providing the opportunity for single working persons to live in the area without the need to live in shared private sector rented housing”.

However, the development will not include any housing designated as ‘affordable’ – those for social or below-market rents.

The planning officers’ report says shared living developments “does not provide accommodation suitable for households in need of genuinely
affordable housing, including families”.

Planning officers say that instead the developer will pay the council £1,340,000 towards building affordable housing elsewhere in the borough.

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