Canary Wharf Group and Qatari Diar’s £1.3 billion redevelopment of London’s Shell Centre is to be challenged in the High Court, it has emerged today.
The action has been launched by activist and writer George Turner who has previously questioned whether Secretary of State Eric Pickles’ approval of the plans was “legally sound.”
Turner, who is acting alone, says a sense of “outrage” has motivated the challenge which he has served on Pickles, Mayor of London Boris Johnson, Lambeth Council, Shell and the joint venture developers.
The controversial scheme, which has faced widespread opposition from community and heritage groups, will provide 1.45 million sq ft of offices, retail space and residential accommodation on the South Bank across the river from Westminster.
The 27 storey Shell Centre Tower will remain as the centrepiece of the scheme and will continue to be occupied by the company. It will be joined by eight new buildings which will be added over the course of the six-year development. New public spaces and pedestrian routes are also incorporated in the design.
When the plans got the go-ahead from Pickles last month Sir George Iacobescu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canary Wharf Group, said; “We feel privileged to have this opportunity to play a role in regenerating this popular but somewhat neglected area of London.
“We will continue to work closely with local stakeholders, residents and visitors to the local area to reap the benefits of this fantastic scheme as soon as possible.”
The groups and individuals named in the action now have two weeks to respond to the challenge.
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