Michael Gove intervenes in ITV redevelopment controversy
Levelling up secretary Michael Gove is considering whether to order a public inquiry into plans for a controversial new office building on the site of the former ITV headquarters on the South Bank.
The scheme designed by MAKE Architects for developers Mitsubishi Estate London was approved by Lambeth councillors in March, but the final planning permission has not yet been signed off, pending referral to the Mayor of London.
Mr Gove has issued a direction which prevents Lambeth from issuing the final decision whilst he considers whether to 'call in' the application and order a public inquiry in front of a planning inspector.
Local groups in Waterloo and the South Bank have mounted a vociferous campaign against the scheme, with nearly 2,000 people signing a petition.
Opponents to the scheme say the scheme is ugly, overbearing and will cast nearby homes into darkness.
David Hopkins from Coin Street Community Builders (CSCB) said: "People across London should welcome Michael Gove's intervention on this proposal.
"The much-loved South Bank is one of the world's great public spaces. Our hope is for a fundamental re-think to protect this area of such importance to the nation, Londoners and the local community that lives here”.
Michael Ball of the Waterloo Community Development Group added: “This disastrously ugly project warrants the kind of scrutiny only a public inquiry can provide.
"If it goes ahead the scheme would be a permanent eyesore on steroids. We hope that this is a step toward Michael Gove truly putting into action his championing of beauty, belonging, communities and democracy by calling this grotesquery in".
