04 November 2011
Decision on London River Park deferred
The City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation
Committee will not be considering the Thames River Park proposal at
its meeting on 15 November 2011.
On 3 November, the City of London received written confirmation
from the Port of London Authority (PLA) that they have serious
concerns regarding the application scheme’s impact on navigational
safety on the River Thames.
The PLA advised that they have thus deferred their decision on
the scheme pending the results of further work and discussions to
see if it is possible to resolve the outstanding issues.
The PLA’s concerns are among a number of planning considerations
that the City’s Planning and Transportation Committee will need to
consider in connection with this proposal.
In the absence of information regarding such important matters,
the City sought Counsel’s advice as to whether it would be
appropriate for the City to take a decision on the application.
Counsel advised that it “would not be appropriate for the City
to proceed to determination of the Planning Application without
further information on the risk to navigation, and in particular
the final view from the PLA.”
Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and
Transportation Committee, Martin Farr, commented:
“It is unfortunate that, at this time, the Planning and
Transportation Committee is unable to consider this proposal.
“In order to properly exercise its duty as the local planning
authority, the City’s Planning and Transportation Committee needs
to be able to consider all of the material facts.
“We look forward to receiving further information as to whether
the issues identified can be resolved.”
Ends
Notes to editors
- About the City of London Corporation
The
City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation. It
supports and promotes the City as the world leader in international
finance and business services and provides local services and
policing for those working in, living in and visiting the Square
Mile. It also provides valued services to London and the nation.
These include the Barbican Centre and the Guildhall School of Music
& Drama; the Guildhall Library and Art Gallery and London
Metropolitan Archive; a range of education provision (including
three City Academies); five Thames bridges (including Tower Bridge
and the Millennium Bridge); the Central Criminal Court at Old
Bailey; over 10,000 acres of open spaces (including Hampstead Heath
and Epping Forest), and three wholesale food markets. It is also
London’s Port Health Authority and runs the Animal Reception Centre
at Heathrow. It works in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on
the regeneration of surrounding areas and the City Bridge Trust,
which it oversees, donates more than £15m to charity
annually.
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