Green light given to transform Teviot Estate in Poplar with new housing, open spaces and community facilities

Plans to deliver nearly 2,000 new homes as part of one of East London’s largest estate regeneration schemes have been approved by Tower Hamlets Council.

The project will see the complete transformation of the Teviot Estate in Poplar, replacing outdated housing with up to 1,928 new homes, 35% of which will be affordable, alongside new green spaces, commercial space, a purpose-built mosque and a new community centre.

National planning and development consultancy Lichfields advised on the scheme, which is being delivered by a joint venture between local housing association Poplar HARCA and The Hill Group, one of the UK’s leading housebuilders. The proposals were approved by the borough’s Strategic Development Committee last week. The project is one of several that Lichfields has advised on from the earliest stages, drawing on its extensive experience in estate renewal and planning policy.

Clare Catherall, Associate Director at Lichfields, said: “This is a flagship regeneration project for London and an important milestone for the Teviot community. The scale and complexity of the plans, along with the level of resident engagement, make it a clear example of estate regeneration done properly. It tackles serious housing need while improving quality of life for existing residents. We’ve worked closely with Poplar HARCA and The Hill Group to help shape a scheme that reflects local priorities and makes the best use of this part of east London.”

The project follows extensive consultation with residents and secures the right for all existing tenants and leaseholders to return. As well as modern, energy-efficient homes, the masterplan includes the transformation of Langdon Park, as well as over 6,000 sqm of new public open spaces, over 7,000sqm of dedicated play spaces within the estate, and improved links across the A12 and DLR line to better connect the area with the wider neighbourhood and improve public safety.

Poplar HARCA’s Director of Regeneration and Development, Paul Dooley, said: “This is a real win for residents who gave their time and efforts to make sure this masterplan delivers the things that are important for local people. The plans focus on family-sized housing to tackle overcrowding in Tower Hamlets, as well as investment in community facilities and projects that will benefit the neighbourhood for years to come. We’re excited to get started on delivering these plans and working in partnership with Hill to build a brighter future for Teviot.”

Designed to address long-standing issues of overcrowding and poor-quality housing, the new homes will be built to modern space and sustainability standards. The scheme includes a significant provision of affordable housing, with a focus on larger family-sized rented homes to meet local need.

Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, added: “This is a landmark moment for Teviot and a major step forward in delivering lasting change for the community. Securing planning permission means we can now move forward with our shared vision, which prioritises creating high-quality homes and improved communal spaces that reflect the needs of residents. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Poplar HARCA and the local community to bring these plans to life.”

Construction on the first phase is expected to begin in 2026.