Plans for a 1.8m sq ft mixed-use development to transform a derelict wharf in the Royal Docks will be turned down by the mayor’s office.
The decision, expected next week, will be the first clash between two conflicting policies in Mayor Ken Livingstone’s London Plan.
The plan aims to increase development along the east London Thames waterfront – but simultaneously preserving the river’s 32 wharfs for industrial use.
A letter from Livingstone to Newham council this week said the mayor was minded to direct refusal of the scheme.
Livingstone is set to publish supplementary planning guidance for the wharfs next week, which many thought would allow some development to go ahead.
But deputy mayor Nicky Gavron said the GLA would reject the Peruvian Wharf scheme in favour of “more long-term environmental regeneration”.
EPR Architects’ plans for Capital & Provident Management’s redevelopment of the wharf, which includes 1m sq ft of offices, a hotel and 689 homes in a crescent along the river, were given the green light by Newham council last week.
But Gavron said: “The wharves are an important part of the fabric of London, and we will do all that we can to protect them.”
References: EGi News 24/03/03
