Biggs plans “growth” on overcrowded Isle of Dogs

RESIDENTS IN THE south of the borough will be keeping Wednesday, 8th February free – so they can discuss the future of the Isle of Dogs with the Tower Hamlets Mayor, John Biggs.

The meeting is one of the occasional “Ask the Mayor” events which have taken place around the borough since John Biggs was elected. This one will be held from 7.30-9pm in Jack Dash House, at the corner of Marsh Wall and Manchester Road (near South Quay DLR station).

And on this occasion, the main topic will be future growth on the Island. As John Biggs explains, “The Isle of Dogs is a unique place in our borough. With such rapid change it’s important residents have the chance to understand and have their say on the plans for the future growth of the Island, that’s exactly what I hope this event will achieve.

“For too long development on the Island was haphazard, with politicians ignoring the views of local people. I think it’s important that politicians are accountable and that local residents have the chance to share their views. I’m sure it will be a lively discussion but that’s exactly what these Ask the Mayor events are about.”

One of those politicians who presided over previous haphazard development on the Isle of Dogs was, of course, John Biggs – so residents will be keen to hear what new plans for growth he has. Of particular concern will be the plans by One Housing Group (OHG). It is thought that this unpopular landlord plans to demolish all 2,000+ properties it bought from the Council and replace them by four new developments with four times the density of housing.

Residents have asked John Biggs to ensure that residents are given a vote on the plans before OHG is allowed to carry them out. Referring to estate regeneration in general at a recent press conference, John Biggs was quite clear that he would not insist on residents having the right to vote on every occasion, but would not rule out votes in some circumstances. Residents are likely to raise this point – as well as other crucial local issues such as the threatened reduction in the number of sites Children’s Centre services are delivered from and how older residents are (or are not) coping with the new imposition of charges for social care.

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