Tower Hamlets Council fights to preserve industrial past

Residents living in property to rent in the London borough of Tower Hamlets, among others in the area, will be able to find out about the history of the area in which they reside, after the council vowed to preserve its industrial past.

Tower Hamlets Council managed to ensure Limehouse Cut, one of the oldest canals in the capital city, is part of London's latest conservation areas.

It has been a canal since 1770 and it is lined with factories and warehouses, many of which have been noted for their industrial architecture.

Limehouse Cut is said to provide visual representation of the borough's connection with the docks and the dealing in goods such as spices and sails for ships.

Mayor Lutfur Rahman said: "Tower Hamlets boasts a rich and varied heritage, and it is vital that we preserve this past for future generations.

"Limehouse Cut enables residents to take a step back in time and understand the importance that the docks played in the lives of residents."

The conservation area will help the council to preserve and highlight the special architectural and historic character in the area.

As well as this, it will have closer and more careful monitoring of any changes that might affect the environmental quality.

The council will also have general control over the demolition of unlisted buildings in the vicinity and it will be able to implement policies to protect the character of the area.

"It is important that we do what we can to protect what remains of our physical past," added Mr Rahman.

At the moment, a proposed merger between Barts and The London, Newham and Whipps Cross NHS Trusts is continuing to progress.

Later this year, a final decision will be made and it will require Department of Health and Secretary of State approval before it can officially take place.

Posted by Andy Britten 

Published 15th August, 2011

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