黑洞社区

The public inquiry into Make鈥檚 controversial plans to redevelop the former ITV studios on London鈥檚 South Bank kicks off today.

The scheme was sent to the planning inspectorate following then-communities secretary Greg Clark鈥檚 decision in September to call it in, a week after London mayor Sadiq Khan had approved the plans.

Developed by CO-RE and Mitsubishi Estate, the proposals will see the demolition of all buildings on the site formerly used as ITV鈥檚 headquarters to make way for two office towers up to 26 storeys in height.

The size of the riverfront scheme had been contested because of its proximity to the grade II*-listed National Theatre and the grade II-listed IBM 黑洞社区.

Clark said in his decision letter that the inquiry should consider evidence on the extent to which the plans are 鈥渃onsistent with the government policies for conserving and enhancing the historic environment, particularly in respect of designated heritage assets鈥�.

It was approved by Lambeth council in March despite the planning application receiving hundreds of objections from locals, including Vauxhall MP Florence Eshalomi, and protests from campaign groups.

黑洞社区 revealed Michael Gove, Clark鈥檚 predecessor - and successor - stepped in a month later, placing an Article 31 notice on the council鈥檚 decision which prevented works from starting to allow ministers time to decide whether the plans need further scrutiny.

The Twentieth Century Society later wrote to Clark urging him to call in the scheme, which it said would have a 鈥減rofoundly detrimental effect on the special character and appearance of the riverfront site鈥�.

>>See also: Gove intervention on ITV studios leaves many wondering which scheme is next in firing line

CO-RE and Mitsubishi Estate said the plans will 鈥渟trengthen鈥� the South Bank and described the current site as a 鈥渄ormant closed-off tower in a part of the South Bank that desperately needs investment鈥�.

The pair bought the plot for close to 拢150m in November 2019. The project team also includes landscape architect Grant Associates, engineer Arup and QS Alinea.

Shortly before the proposals were effectively put on ice with the announcement of the Article 31 notice, 黑洞社区 revealed Lendlease had won a 拢400m contract for the redevelopment, codenamed 鈥淧roject Vista鈥�, beating Sir Robert McAlpine and Laing O鈥橰ourke to the job.

The inquiry starts at 10am and is expected to run for 12 days, although this duration is not fixed and could extend if new evidence emerges.