Conservation and urban design

Tower Hamlets is responsible for caring for the historic environment and ensuring that new development is designed to the highest standards.

We have adopted a strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment, which sets out a vision for the boroughs heritage and provides a framework to help ensure that plays an influential role in the wellbeing of Tower Hamlets’ communities and businesses.

Our securing quality design practice note helps ensure new developments align with the intended vision, creating sustainable, high-quality environments that enhance residents' quality of life.

The borough has a great many heritage assets, such as:

• conservation areas
• listed buildings
• world heritage sites
• registered parks and gardens
• scheduled monuments
• locally listed buildings.

We work with communities, businesses and other organisations to preserve and enhance these heritage assets, through the planning process and through wider initiatives. We are assisted by a design review panel, which provides independent and professional design and conservation advice on development proposals and other issues.