The properties before the demolition. (Image: Google)
Tower Hamlets Council has ordered three conservation area houses, illegally demolished in June 2016, to be rebuilt by their owners exactly as they stood before.
The owners, suspected to have caused or permitted the demolition of the buildings in the Coldharbour conservation area near Canary Wharf, repeatedly refused to give a credible explanation for their destruction during enquiries by the council.
Enforcement notices have now been issued to the owners, giving them 18 months to rebuild the properties.
John Biggs, mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “Many local people were understandably distressed by the demolition of these properties. It is right that those who show contempt for our heritage assets and flout the law should face legal action.
“I am pleased our legal action will help remedy the harm the loss of these buildings has caused to the area. It was my view at the time that the owners should be made to replace these properties like-for-like, brick by brick.”
A council spokesperson said: “Three properties at 2-6 East Ferry Road in Coldharbour conservation area have been demolished without planning permission.
“The demolished buildings were considered to be of historical interest, value and importance and should have been conserved
“A successful prosecution is considered to be in the public’s interest. We believe such flagrant breaches of planning control should not go undeterred and without consequences.”
The owners have just appealed the council’s action. This appeal will be handled by the secretary of state and interested parties will be able to comment on the appeal once it has formally started.
