Truman Brewery Redevelopment: Independent Analysis Finds Scheme in Breach of London Planning Law

As the Planning Inspectorate considers the future of Brick Lane, a new ConserveConnect.News research brief examines the Truman Brewery redevelopment in detail — finding that the scheme, taken as a whole or in part, breaches London’s planning law and the principles of democratic, plan-led development.

A new ConserveConnect.News research brief, “The Case for Refusal – A Point-by-Point Policy Analysis for the Inspectorate,” concludes that the proposed redevelopment of the Truman Brewery estate on Brick Lane is incompatible with London’s statutory planning framework and should be refused in its entirety.

Drawing on public documents from the ongoing Planning Inspectorate inquiry—including Statements of Case, rebuttal proofs, and Greater London Authority and Tower Hamlets reports—the study examines the scheme against the London Plan (2021), the Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2031, the National Planning Policy Framework (2023) and the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

The analysis finds systemic non-compliance across six key areas:
- Design and scale – excessive height and bulk breaching London Plan D3 and D9.
- Heritage – unmitigated harm to the Brick Lane & Fournier Street Conservation Area.
- Housing – serious under-delivery with only 44 units on 35 000 m² of development.
- Public realm – replacement of open civic space with privately managed courtyards.
- Sustainability – demolition of reusable fabric contrary to net-zero policy SI2.
- Amenity – daylight and overshadowing impacts below required standards.

The report emphasises that, under section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, partial approval would also contravene the law, as the development forms an interdependent whole assessed under a single Environmental Impact Assessment.

Prepared independently by ConserveConnect.News, the brief provides a clear, evidence-based assessment intended to support transparency and informed debate during the Brick Lane public inquiry.

Download the full Research Brief:
The Case for Refusal – A Point-by-Point Policy Analysis for the Inspectorate (October 20 2025)