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Westferry Printworks: viability
Conservatives in defence of Robert Jenrick have made claims about viability of the scheme, thread to explain why wrong
The only person who was concerned about scheme viability was Robert Jenrick, from whom did he get those concerns about £45m?
1/
Robert Jenrick insistent that decision issued week 9th Jan, CIL decision then due 15th Jan
But his officials mis-describe the CIL as London CIL (which changed in 2019) rather then Tower Hamlets CIL, suggests they were not involved in detail of change in CIL, suggestive?
2/
"The appellant (Richard Desmond) believes that the proposal would not be viable if subject to CIL charges"
There is no mention in docs where this was communicated, not in Inspectors report, so where does belief come from (contradicted by inspectors report on Schedule 15 UU)
3/
Reminder July 2018 Richard Desmond thought he could deliver scheme with 35% affordable housing (he dropped it in June 2019 to 21%, benefit worth around £40m)
So clear Desmond in 2018 thought he could provide more benefit, yes legal costs & some delay cost him some £ not £40m
4/
Officials summary of issues on 13th December lists reasons why scheme should be rejected, do not mention viability as an issue (but do mention CIL rates changing 15th Jan)
No evidence officials concerned about it in docs
Only Jenrick & Desmond concerned
5/
So where did Jenrick concerns about viability come from?
On 20th Nov, 2 days after fundraising dinner his staff say he is aware of decision coming & concerns over timing of decision (we have to assume the £45 m CIL decision)
He says he shut down conversation at dinner though?
6/
In my Cllr training on material planning considerations viability not listed as a material planning consideration
(reasons why you can ignore policy i.e. delivering 35% affordable homes)
TH Council constitution also does not list viability as a reason for ignoring policy
7/
So Q are:
- What information did Jenrick have about scheme pre-20th November from his officials?
- Confirmation that none of the docs not released yet discuss viability?
- Why officials only trying to deal with affordable housing 2 hours before release of decision?
8/
Important point to make about votes 15th Jan
-New Local Plan
-Change in CIL rates
2 separate processes/votes only happened on same night as Local Plan badly delayed in 2019
So when MHCLG officials talk about wanting decision out before new Local Plan, they mean Local Plan
9/
New Local Plan means having to re-write decision letter/maybe reconsult so reasons for getting decision 1st from a practical
But Jenrick pushing for quick decision since 20th November
I also deal with affordable housing issue in this thread

10/
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