The high-rise scheme would be the latest addition to the Stratford Cross development which currently includes offices, businesses and arts and culture venues, reports Nick Clark, Local Democracy Reporter

Aerial view of the proposed redevelopment at Stratford Cross (credit AHMM Architects)

Plans to build almost 800 homes near London Stadium have been submitted to Newham Council.

The proposals come as stadium bosses are seeking to increase the number of concerts it hosts, as well as their permitted noise levels.

Plans say the new 41-storey development could also include a pub, a takeaway and a “live music performance venue or cinema”.

Property developer Lendlease wants to build 782 homes across six towers on a currently vacant plot of land at Westfield Avenue, adjoining Redman Place. These could be a mix of student flats or shared living spaces.

If approved, they would be the latest addition to the Stratford Cross development, which currently houses offices, businesses and arts and culture venues including V&A East, BBC Music Studios and University of the Arts London.

Lendlease originally intended Stratford Cross to be a commercial, rather than residential, development.

However, a planning statement submitted with its application suggests the developer now wants to change the total amount of office space it initially planned.

The planning statement said: “The commercial office market is challenging and has been challenging for some time.

“A significant amount of office floorspace has already been delivered at Stratford Cross, but the ability to deliver the remaining quantum of floorspace approved has been reviewed.”

Lendlease already has planning permission to build two residential buildings at the west of the site.

This was granted by the London Legacy Development Corporation in 2023, which was then the planning authority for the Olympic Park.

The new homes, if approved, would be some 600 metres from London Stadium.

The application comes as London Stadium is seeking permission from the council to increase the number of non-sports events it can host from ten to 24 a year.

London Stadium also wants the council to approve a noise limit for these events of 75 decibels. Currently, noise is capped at 75 decibels for six of its permitted annual events, and 65 decibels for the remaining four.

Documents submitted with Lendlease’s application say it has measured noise levels at the site to help it decide how much sound insulation it needed.

However, while the measurement captured noise levels on two West Ham match days, it does not mention concert events.

Lendlease submitted its planning application on 29th July, and it became visible to the public on the council’s website on 11th August.

Artist's impression of proposed homes at Stratford Cross (credit AHMM Architects) — Artist’s impression of proposed homes at Stratford Cross (credit AHMM Architects)

The council has received two public comments, both in support.

One, in the name of Sebastiaan and Otto from Hows Building in Westfield Avenue, welcomed the plans for a new pub at the site.

They said: “The current distance between our front door and a decent pint is frankly incompatible with the kind of future we had imagined for ourselves.

“We cannot be expected to put down roots, grow old in this community and one day gaze fondly back upon lives well lived if there are no decent beverages within a reasonable distance.

“What kind of legacy would that even be? What are we building towards? Where is the continuity? Where is the hope?”

The pair added: “We would also ask the council to consider the very real possibility that, on any given evening, someone might say ‘pint?’

“At present this can trigger an unnecessarily complex logistical operation involving maps, negotiations and the Elizabeth Line.

“No modern city should require this level of emergency preparedness simply to obtain a Guinness with the lads.”

The plans can be viewed and commented on at the council’s planning website using reference number 26/01741/OUT.

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