London Mayor Ken Livingstone is attempting to block plans by Minerva to build a £500m shopping centre in Croydon.
Livingstone has written to planning minister Lord Falconer voicing objections to the 93,000 sq m (1m sq ft) Park Place project and called for a public inquiry. He expresses “grave concern” about the impact of the scheme, particularly on the environment.
In the letter, which was sent last week, he said: “Given the excellent public transport accessibility, the existing traffic congestion in Croydon and evidence that take-up of parking in the town centre has reduced as shoppers have switched to the tram, town-centre parking should be restricted.”
Croydon council granted permission to Minerva in August and is still backing the scheme, which is intended to regenerate an area currently occupied by several concrete tower blocks.
Minerva, which has already revised the schemes in the light of previous demands for a public inquiry by Livingstone, is due to present amendments to the scheme to Croydon council. These will be sent to Lord Falconer at the end of the month.
EGi News 24/10/01
