The London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) is the local planning authority with jurisdiction over part of the area around West Ham station in the
Lower
Lea
Valley
, which includes the site where the owners wish to construct a building(s) for a range of cultural and religious activities.
Until this month, and contrary to what has been reported in the media, little information had been provided to the LTGDC as to what was proposed for the site. A recent meeting has provided some more information. Various architects have been asked to respond to a brief for the site and one practice will be selected in a few months time. Whilst all of the details have not yet been clarified the current proposals include a prayer facility for 10,000 people plus space for women and dignatories, a school and car parking.
It is not anticipated that a planning application will be submitted before September 2007. LTGDC can not comment as to whether a particular application, if submitted, is likely to be acceptable or not.
On receipt of an application, LTGDC always seeks to engage in a public consultation process to ensure the views of all concerned are fully taken into account, which in this case will also include referring the application to the Greater London Authority for its response.
In deciding such an application LTGDC, in the same way as any other planning authority, is obliged to take into account all relevant material planning considerations, including the relevant policies in the agreed local authority and Mayor of London Plans.
This statement will be placed on the LTGDC’s website in the New Year
( www.ltgdc.org.uk) and updated as appropriate.
20th December 2006
