Thread by @Andrewwood17

There are 3 mysteries related to Westferry Printworks decision
2nd is why Tower Hamlets Council decided that they would not make the decision on this application, forcing others to make it
Below are key dates for the 2nd application
25th July 2018 - application published
1/

14th Nov 2018 - deadline missed
14.55 hrs 26th March 2019 - developer asks planning inspectorate to make decision at inquiry as TH Council did not
49 minutes later - planning inspector email TH Council
55 minutes later - TH Council agree inquiry best solution (I have email)
2/

The planning department was not that busy in 2018/19, five cancelled planning c'tees
They finally made a decision on the 14th May 2019 to reject but by this point knew decision had no practical effect as Planning Inspectorate involved now
Note missed planning c'tee 28th March
3/

In 2015/16 something very similar happened, shorter period between failing to make decision, deadline 17th Dec 2015, developer asked Mayor to decided end Jan 2016
TH Council busier & more complex wind issues (wind) to deal with so more understandable missing deadline in 2015
4/

But in 2019 it looks as if it was an active avoidance of decision, knew developer was likely to appeal if deadline missed
Why not on 26th March say to planning inspector no, we will make a decision in rescheduled planning c'tee before 10th April formal start of appeal?
5/