Michael Gove responds to Sadiq Khan's rejection of MSG Sphere.
The construction of London's new MSG Sphere Arena may be put on hold per the government's instructions due to opposition from local residents and owners of The O2 Arena, AEG.
Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), could postpone the plans until the controversial project's ongoing issues are resolved.
Last year, The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) approved the plans for The MSG Sphere, a proposed 21,500-capacity arena set to be built in Stratford's Olympic Park in East London. The company behind New York City's iconic Madison Square Gardens is developing the area.
According to a report by Architect's Journal, Gove issued an Article 31 holding directive, which means that the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) may be temporarily paused.
The venue faced opposition from the owners of a neighbouring arena, The O2, and criticism from local residents. In addition, Newham Council expressed discontentment with the giant orb-shaped design, which was adorned with approximately 1 million LED light bulbs on its exterior.
"I've consistently expressed concerns about the MSG Sphere and its adverse impact on our residents,” said Newham Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz, urging Gove to pull plans completely.
“I've written to Michael Gove asking that he call in the application for his determination...The health and well-being of Newham residents must come first"
MSG had committed to building new pedestrian links, bridges and an entry to Stratford station.
However, the comprehensive ruling from City Hall demonstrated that Khan, who has the authority to intervene in major planning requests, acknowledged the worries of his planning staff over "significant light intrusion resulting in significant harm" to nearby properties.
The City Hall records also disclosed that hundreds of Stratford citizens might suffer "significant harm" from the Sphere, which was deemed a "detriment to human health."
Officers from the Greater London Authority evaluated the applicant's environmental statement through the commissioning of an impartial expert assessment to evaluate the light pollution concerns.
According to City Hall, the experts, WSP, "identified significant errors and omissions" in the applicant's assessment. One example of this was not doing the measurements accurately and in accordance with UK guidelines.
Due to its size, the Sphere would be considered a "bulky, unduly dominant and incongruous form of development" and damage 16 historic structures, including the three conservation areas and the Grade II* listed Stratford Theatre Royal.
In March of last year, the London Legacy Development Corporation, which adjudicates planning applications within the Olympic Park, granted its permission. Newham Council had been against the proposal.
