Consultation begins on what could become the UK’s tallest residential tower, bbc.co.uk reports.

Plans for a 75-storey building on the Isle of Dogs in London are to be submitted today for public consultation by developer, Chalegrove Properties Limited. Planning permission was granted back in 2009 for the tower and for the construction of 173 homes at a nearby site.

Proposed tower would stand at 293m

The tower, which would comprise 864 homes, would stand at 293 metres, only a few metres shorter than the UK’s tallest structure, the Shard.

The original skyscraper design was produced by Glenkerrin and included a hotel. After Glenkerrin went into administration, Chalegrove bought both sites and revised the plans, omitting the hotel. A Chalegrove Properties spokesperson said to london24.com.

“The proposed development is a significant improvement on the existing planning consent,”

“A graceful new tower will complement the Canary Wharf skyline and will complete the regeneration of this part of Marsh Wall, with a new café and grassed open space overlooking the water front.”

Potential risks of Isle of Dogs’ over-development

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While the homes are urgently needed, opposition has been voiced about the strain the additional demand would make on local resources. Some council members have highlighted the risks over the Isle of Dogs’ over-development, including Millwall councillor, David Snowdon.

Mr Snowdon said he would be objecting to the plans, but feared the council overall would give its approval, ‘not recognising the problems’.

A strategy launched by Tower Hamlets Council in 2010 reveals that some 43,000 homes will be required in by 2025, including around 13,000 in the Isle of Dogs area.

Author: Elizabeth Smythe   Date Written: 21 January 2013