Filming in Tower Hamlets: permits and fees
Tower Hamlets covers Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, Bow, and Limehouse with diverse period and contemporary settings.
Who issues permits
Tower Hamlets’ filming service issues permits for council land and streets. Canary Wharf Estate is privately managed by the Canary Wharf Group and requires its own separate permission.
Process
Apply to Tower Hamlets’ filming service. Standard applications: five working days minimum. Road closures: three to four weeks. The borough operates a dedicated filming officer contact.
Fees
Standard London borough rates. Reduced rates may be available for arts-funded and student projects.
What’s covered
Council streets in Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, Bow, Stepney Green, and Limehouse. Victoria Park (co-managed with the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority). Council civic buildings.
Typical restrictions
Victoria Park’s summer event calendar (July–September) restricts filming access. Whitechapel Road and Brick Lane have high pedestrian activity. Canary Wharf always requires Canary Wharf Group permission separately.
Contact
Apply on the Tower Hamlets Council website → towerhamlets.gov.uk