Brick Lane ‘hijab gates’ plan goes back to drawing board

A scheme to build giant arches designed to appear like headscarves or veils at either end of Brick Lane has been temporarily withdrawn.

Tower Hamlets council revealed they were rethinking plans for the so-called "hijab gates" hours before councillors were due to make a final decision on the plans yesterday.

The move could now be substantially modified or downgraded and the decision will give hope to objectors that it could be scrapped.

Tower Hamlets said the scheme —which attracted 158 objections and not one letter of support — would be subjected to a further "community consultation".

A council spokeswoman admitted: The plans could be modified.''

The arches plan is part of a £1.85 million cultural heritage trail for the area designed by the council.

But it has been criticised as "ugly" and "potentially divisive" since the headscarf was often associated with fundamental Islam.