Thames Gateway Bridge Inquiry to be reopened
2nd August 2007
The government is to reopen the Public Inquiry into the £500 million Thames Gateway Bridge after the Inspector's report recommended refusal of the project as contrary to the London Plan.
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone and business groups have greeted the decision with dismay, saying that the bridge is essential for the regeneration of east London and the development of the Thames Gateway region.
The bridge was fiercely opposed during the year long Public Inquiry by environmental and local resident groups, who said it would increase traffic and pollution in the surrounding boroughs.
Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has requested more information about traffic modelling in the Thames Gateway, the bridge's impact on regeneration benefits and changes in environmental and development policies.
No date has yet been announced for re-opening the Inquiry.
