We, the undersigned residents, workers, businesses, community organisations, and supporters of Brick Lane and the wider Tower Hamlets community, call on Tower Hamlets Council to pass a formal motion opposing the proposed Brick Lane data centre and all associated Truman Brewery redevelopment proposals.

In July, Tower Hamlets Council democratically refused planning permission for the Truman Brewery redevelopment following significant public opposition and well-founded concerns about overdevelopment, environmental impact, heritage loss, pressure on local infrastructure, and the erosion of community space. That decision reflected local planning policy, extensive community engagement, and the interests of local residents.

Despite this, the subsequent ministerial intervention overturned the recommendations of both the planning inspector and the local planning authority, undermining local democracy and setting a concerning precedent for central government interference in locally determined planning decisions.

Brick Lane is not simply a development site. It is one of London’s most important cultural, social, and economic neighbourhoods, with a rich history, internationally recognised identity, and vibrant community. The proposed data centre and wider Truman Brewery developments threaten to:

Increase environmental impacts through higher energy consumption, heat generation, and carbon emissions.
Place unsustainable pressure on local infrastructure, transport, and public services.
Harm Brick Lane’s historic character, independent businesses, and cultural heritage.
Replace valuable community spaces with developments that offer limited benefit to local people.
Conflict with Tower Hamlets’ planning policies, environmental objectives, and commitments to sustainable development.
We also recognise the concerns already raised by the Mayor of Tower Hamlets regarding the loss of local decision-making and believe the Council should continue to stand alongside its residents in defending democratic planning processes.

We therefore call on Tower Hamlets Council to pass a formal motion that:

Reaffirms the Council’s opposition to the proposed Brick Lane data centre and associated Truman Brewery developments.
Defends the Council’s original refusal of the planning applications.
Opposes any development that undermines Brick Lane’s heritage, environment, independent economy, and community assets.
Calls on the Government to respect local planning decisions and restore confidence in democratic planning processes.
Commits the Council to working with residents, businesses, and community organisations to secure a future for Brick Lane that protects its cultural identity, supports sustainable regeneration, and delivers genuine public benefit.
Brick Lane’s future should be shaped by the people who live, work, and invest in its community—not imposed through top-down decision-making.

We urge Tower Hamlets Council to stand with its residents and formally oppose this development by passing a motion that protects Brick Lane for future generations.

#SaveBrickLane

*By signing this petition you confirm that you live, work or study in Tower Hamlets.