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Hackney mayor attacks Boris Johnson's intervention in skyscraper project Hackney mayor attacks Boris Johnson's intervention in skyscraper project
(3 days later)
Boris Johnson has been accused of showing “complete contempt” for local councils after he intervened in a row over a Canary Wharf-style development that critics say could tear the heart out of London’s trendiest district.Boris Johnson has been accused of showing “complete contempt” for local councils after he intervened in a row over a Canary Wharf-style development that critics say could tear the heart out of London’s trendiest district.
The London mayor has invoked his powers to call in the Bishopsgate Goodsyard development in Shoreditch, east London, and remove the two local councils from the planning process.The London mayor has invoked his powers to call in the Bishopsgate Goodsyard development in Shoreditch, east London, and remove the two local councils from the planning process.
It means City Hall, rather than Hackney and Tower Hamlets councils, will take the decision on the future of the 50-acre development, which involves two skyscrapers of 47 and 43 storeys respectively, similar in height to Canary Wharf’s towers. It means City Hall, rather than Hackney and Tower Hamlets councils, will take the decision on the future of the 11-acre development, which involves two skyscrapers of 47 and 43 storeys respectively, similar in height to Canary Wharf’s towers.
Hackney’s mayor, Jules Pipe, said he was disgusted by Johnson’s move, which he said showed disregard for local residents and businesses.Hackney’s mayor, Jules Pipe, said he was disgusted by Johnson’s move, which he said showed disregard for local residents and businesses.
City Hall said in a statement: “More than a year ago an application was submitted to the local authorities and a formal request has now been made to the mayor to take over as planning authority.City Hall said in a statement: “More than a year ago an application was submitted to the local authorities and a formal request has now been made to the mayor to take over as planning authority.
“Bishopsgate Goodsyard, which has stood derelict for over 50 years, is the biggest site around Tech City in east London and would create hundreds of jobs and homes for Londoners. The mayor has decided to call in the application and will consider all of the planning issues before taking a decision in due course.”“Bishopsgate Goodsyard, which has stood derelict for over 50 years, is the biggest site around Tech City in east London and would create hundreds of jobs and homes for Londoners. The mayor has decided to call in the application and will consider all of the planning issues before taking a decision in due course.”
The site on the fringes of the City has become increasingly valuable as Shoreditch has evolved into a hub for the creative and internet industries. A temporary Boxpark of shipping container shops and a pop-up market occupy part of the site at present.The site on the fringes of the City has become increasingly valuable as Shoreditch has evolved into a hub for the creative and internet industries. A temporary Boxpark of shipping container shops and a pop-up market occupy part of the site at present.
Plans for the 5o-acre site have been in the works since 2003. The mayor’s intervention follows a request from the project’s two developers, Hammerson and the Irish firm Ballymore, under rules allowing City Hall to step in if an application has not been determined within 16 weeks of being submitted.Plans for the 5o-acre site have been in the works since 2003. The mayor’s intervention follows a request from the project’s two developers, Hammerson and the Irish firm Ballymore, under rules allowing City Hall to step in if an application has not been determined within 16 weeks of being submitted.
Pipe said the “shabby” development would now probably get the green light from Johnson, who he said would not be concerned with local objections.Pipe said the “shabby” development would now probably get the green light from Johnson, who he said would not be concerned with local objections.
He said the proposed buildings “are still far too high and there remains an unacceptable lack of affordable homes”, and he warned that changing the “feel and direction” of the area could be damaging.He said the proposed buildings “are still far too high and there remains an unacceptable lack of affordable homes”, and he warned that changing the “feel and direction” of the area could be damaging.
Local residents have objected on the grounds that the development will overshadow neighbouring properties including the Tea Building warehouses, home to internet startups and restaurants, and Soho House Shoreditch, a members club with open-air swimming pool and a haunt for many in the arts and the media.Local residents have objected on the grounds that the development will overshadow neighbouring properties including the Tea Building warehouses, home to internet startups and restaurants, and Soho House Shoreditch, a members club with open-air swimming pool and a haunt for many in the arts and the media.
Also overshadowed would be nearby Redchurch Street, renowned for its cutting-edge boutiques, and Brick Lane, a hive of activity on Sundays because of its markets.Also overshadowed would be nearby Redchurch Street, renowned for its cutting-edge boutiques, and Brick Lane, a hive of activity on Sundays because of its markets.
Johnson has intervened 14 times in local planning decisions since he became mayor, including backing a development on the site of the Mount Pleasant sorting office despite the objections of Camden and Islington councils.Johnson has intervened 14 times in local planning decisions since he became mayor, including backing a development on the site of the Mount Pleasant sorting office despite the objections of Camden and Islington councils.
• This article was amended on 28 September 2015. An earlier version said it was a 50-acre development. This has been corrected.