Stormy passage for pier boat

Tower Hamlets Council's development committee granted temporary permission for a year on Wednesday night.

The move will disappoint residents at nearby Millennium Harbour, the Waterman building and Seacon Wharf, who have branded the craft an “eyesore�.

The pier was formerly served by the Docklands River Bus, but has been closed since low passenger numbers saw the service’s operator go into liquidation. It was originally constructed in the 1870s, and was re-built after it was destroyed in World War II.

Mr Williams hopes to use the pier for his converted passenger ferry The MV Edith, a Tilbury-Gravesend ship measuring just over 33.5 metres in length.

The plan has not impressed the boat’s would-be neighbours, who have sent 213 letters of objection to the planning application.

Some even fear the boat will eventually be converted into a entertainment vessel once permission is granted.

Millennium Harbour resident Ralph Hebgen said: “That boat is going to be an eyesore outside our homes.
“A houseboat will create noise, and there’s no infrastructure to remove waste from the boat.�

Fellow neighbour and Docklands property agent Dawn Sandoval said: “This is one of the most sought-after developments in Docklands, and this could have a profound effect on the value of these properties.�

Mr Williams could not be reached for comment, but has argued his plan “would fit in with the largely residential feel of the area whilst retaining a living link with the river�.

The committee said the onus would be on Mr Williams to demonstrate there is no demand for the pier to be used for a passenger service.