Ashurst advised Greenland Group, a major Chinese state-owned real estate developer, on securing planning permission for its proposals at Hertsmere House in West India Quay within London Docklands.

Hertsmere House, which is expected to be Western Europe's tallest residential building, is one of the most significant projects that Greenland Group is currently promoting as it represents, together with the Ram Quarter, its first venture into the London property market.

The proposal is for the erection of a 67 storey tower comprising 861 residential units plus flexible commercial floorspace, ancillary circulation space, plant, associated infrastructure, public realm and parking. While the proposed development does include a proportion of on-site affordable housing, further provision is also provided off-site, with planning permission also granted for 60 residential units at 25-28 Dalgleish Street, a donor site in Tower Hamlets also owned by Greenland.

Ashurst advised Greenland on its acquisition of both Hertsmere House and the former Ram Brewery and has continued to provide comprehensive planning advice to Greenland as it developed its proposals for Hertsmere House throughout the planning submission and determination processes. This included review of the draft planning application and Environmental Statement, affordable housing and viability related considerations, advice concerning referral to the Greater London Authority and negotiation of section 106 agreements.

The Ashurst team was led by planning partner Trevor Goode assisted by senior associate Charlie Reid.