The decision clears the way for a major mixed-use scheme including offices, a data centre, cinema and new public spaces despite fierce opposition from Tower Hamlets Council and local campaigners.

The project, promoted by Truman Estates and Zeloof LLP, will transform three sites around Brick Lane through separate planning applications.

Plans include five new buildings providing offices, shops, restaurants, a cinema, market space and a data centre at Grey Eagle Street.

The historic brewery’s boiler house and cooperage will be retained and refurbished to create event space and a microbrewery.

The scheme will also deliver 44 homes, although only 11 will be classed as affordable, including just six for social rent.

Ministers concluded the regeneration and economic benefits outweighed the limited housing provision and concerns over the impact on Brick Lane’s cultural identity.

New buildings planned for Cooperage Yard

In the decision letter issued on behalf of Rayner, housing minister Matthew Pennycook said the secretary of state had considered “the housing needs of the local community, and the strongly held local views on the proposals”, including concerns from the area’s Bangladeshi community.

He said there was “no detailed evidence” that a more housing-led alternative was deliverable and noted that the six social rented homes had been designed to meet local housing needs, including larger Bangladeshi heritage families.

Truman Brewery masterplan

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Brewery scheme masterplan drawn up by architect Buckley Gray Yeoman with Arup as consultant