OLYMPICS - SECRETARY OF STATE'S DECISION ON THE SECTION 18 APPEAL IN RESPECT OF LAND AT THE EAST CROSS CENTRE

The Secretary of State has rejected the contentions of landowners, Harringay Meat Traders Limited, that a certificate should be granted under section 18 of the Land Compensation Act 1961, on appeal from an application under section 17 to LB Hackney as local planning authority, for uses beyond B1, B2 or B8 (other than ancillary uses).  The Appellant had argued for a certificate that would include residential, hotel, retail uses within a tower of up to 15 storeys at the front of the East Cross Centre, which was one of the less run down industrial estates within the area acquired for the purposes of the Olympic Games and their legacy.  The Inspector and the Secretary of State accepted the arguments for the Acquiring Authority, the LDA, with the support of the council, that the site was inappropriate for such uses both as a result of its nature and locality and in the light of policy.  A certificate for B1, B2 and B8 development up to 6 storeys high and subject to numerous conditions has been granted.

Richard Glover Q.C. appeared for the LDA, instructed by Paul Wootton and Michele Naylor of Eversheds.  The planning evidence was given by James Williams of Drivers Jonas Deloitte.