A proposed new tower block proposed for Corbridge Crescent, just south of the Regent’s Canal in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, will puncture the skyline of E8 and neighbouring postcodes.

The developer, The Aitch Group, have employed Quattro Public Relations, headed by Labour bigwig Paul Dimoldenberg, to undertake public consultations in the area.

A questionnaire they’ve circulated to neighbouring residents asks such loaded questions as ‘Do you think the area would benefit from improvements to public spaces’ and their website promises to keep the cobblestones, which may distract conservation minded residents from the fact that this is a huge development of a similar nature to the one turned down in Dalston only a few weeks ago.

The development seems to be in contradiction to most local plans; the Tower Hamlets Local Development Framework rejects tall buildings other than where there are established economic clusters, such as Aldgate and Canary Wharf with the London Plan taking a similar line.

It’s difficult to see how the application, expected in the summer, could get approval. Unless, of course, not enough people comment on it or the case against the plan is weakened if the 10 storey development at London Lane were to be approved, so establishing a precedent for tall buildings in the area.