Millennium Exhibition Planning Application

January 28th 1997

Greenwich Council, at a Special Planning & Development Committee Meeting on 28/1/97 approved the initial planning application by Millennium Central for the Millennium Exhibition.

Pledges from the organisers include:

• £1 million to develop local labour and training schemes
• a controlled parking zone (as far south as the A2)
• increased street cleaning for the area
• new public transport links including a rapid transit link, probably in the form of a ‘guided bus’ to Charlton BR station
• two new piers for river transport
• no parking on the site except for disabled, ‘orange badge’ holders
• removal of the planned 1000-car ‘overflow’ car park
• a reduction in planned coach parking from 500 to 350 vehicles
• protection for the existing cottages next to The Pilot public house

The approval came with 42 Conditions which were strong on environmental issues in both the ecological sense and in respect of ‘sustainability’. Only three of these were added as a result of issues raised by Councillors or members of the public who spoke at the meeting (17 in all).

This outcome has to be seen as a remarkable achievement for both Millennium Central and the Council, and came as a direct result of their joint policy of support for nearly three months of public consultation. It resulted in a meeting of the most extraordinary agreement all round, and much genuine enthusiasm on what had been achieved, despite the obstacles often scattered along the way by recent Government and Opposition wrangling on the whole notion of the Exhibition.

The preamble to the Agenda for this meeting and a full list of the imposed conditions can be found below. Copies of the full Agenda and Report should be available from Greenwich Council on request.

LONDON BOROUGH OF GREENWICH
SPECIAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
MILLENNIUM EXHIBITION – PLANNING APPLICATION
28.1.1997

DECISIONS REQUIRED

Members are requested to agree the recommendations set out below in the attached report (only part of which appears in this Web page), subject to the accompanying requirements and conditions.

SUMMARY

The report considers the planning application for the temporary use of part of the Greenwich Peninsula for the Millennium Exhibition. As part of the application, permission is sought for remediation works, the construction of new roads, the Millennium Dome and ancillary buildings, open spaces, car and coach parks.

The report sets out the details of the application and contains an evaluation and analysis of the supporting material, in particular the transport strategy, the traffic impact assessment, the environmental statement and the economic impact assessment. The process and results of the public consultation are described, together with the policy and other implications of the proposal. A range of concerns has been raised, principally about the transportation aspects of the proposed development but the report concludes these can be resolved by condition and legal agreement. No fundamental issues of planning policy are raised. The report recommends approval, subject to a range of conditions and additional requirements as set out.

1. RECOMMENDATION:

1.1 That Members resolve to grant full planning permission subject to:

a) Any direction by the Secretary of State for the Environment under the terms of the
Greenwich Peninsula Direction 1988. b) Conditions 1- 39 set out below.

c) The satisfactory completion of legal agreements to secure the heads of agreement set out in this report.

d) Any direction under Article 14 issued by the Highways Agency.

e) Formal Designated/priority Route Notification being submitted to and approved by the Traffic Director for London.

f) No further representations being received which raise material issues of a significantly different nature to those already received and considered (In the event of such being received an addendum report would be presented to Members at the earliest opportunity).

g) Agreement reached with the CAA of an acceptable height for the masts.

1.2 CONDITIONS:

1.2.1 Use

01 The limited period for the continuation of the use shall be until 31.12.2001 following which date the use shall be discontinued unless before this time the Local Planning Authority has agreed in writing to its renewal.

02 The Exhibition Dome, those ancillary buildings which are temporary, adverts, signage and all temporary structures associated with the exhibition shall be dismantled and removed from the site by the end of a 6 month period following the termination of the exhibition in accordance with a scheme of work submitted to and approved by the local planning authority. Unless before this time the Local Planning Authority has agreed in writing to its retention.

03 No above ground construction work on site shall be started on the Exhibition Dome or any of the ancillary buildings until details of the facing materials have been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.

04 No building work shall be undertaken on the Exhibition Dome or supporting structures until details of the foundations have been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.

05 Details of proposed activities within the Exhibition Dome shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority prior to any internal finishing works commencing.

06 Details of the riverside walk (footpath) within the application site shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority before the development is started (except for works to the Exhibition Dome) and, once approved, the riverside walk shall be completed in accordance with such approved plans before the use is commenced. This shall include any alteration to the river walls, banks or other alterations to the river.

07 Details of all the elements listed on submitted drawing: Exhibition Masterplan No. 2611/P/P005B as reserved matters shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority before the relevant part of the development is started and once approved shall be implemented in accordance with such approved plans before the use is commenced.

1.2.2 Landscaping Issues

08 Details of hard and soft landscaping arrangements for all unbuilt areas of the site including surface treatment, fencing or other means of enclosure; lighting, treatment of the river piers and river wall and tree or shrub planting indicating size and species shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority and such landscaping shall be completed prior to the commencement of use.

Details of the landscaping shall include details of the proposed screening and/or landscaping treatment between the edge of the spine road/intermediate mode and the operational and car parking areas.

Within the Central Park and along the riverside walkway any trees or shrubs that die within a period of 5 years from the completion of the development, are removed or become seriously damaged, or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species unless the Local Planning Authority gives written consent to any variation.

1.2.3 Environmental Issues

09 Details of emissions to atmosphere and where appropriate a scheme of arrestment and treatment are to be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority before commencement of the development (except for the works to the Exhibition Dome) and the approved scheme shall be implemented prior to the commencement of the Exhibition use.

10 Details of the remedial measures proposed for the treatment of the contamination on the site shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. The contamination shall be fully treated in accordance with the approved measures before any development is started on the site or such parts of the site as are agreed by the Local Planning Authority and implemented before any development is started on the site.

11 Suitable and sufficient historical search and site investigations to determine the presence of contaminant, including ground exhaled gases, shall be carried out to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority. The full results of the investigation and details of proposed remedial measures shall be submitted to and approved by the Council and implemented prior to the start of the development, or such parts of the development as are agreed by the Local Planning Authority. Such details are to include measures to prevent the migration of contaminants; to protect structures and services, and to protect future maintenance personnel.

12 The existing ground level adjacent to the river shall not be altered nor shall the river wall be subjected to any additional horizontal or vertical loading either permanently or temporary, without the prior written approval of the Planning Authority in consultation with the Environment Agency.

13 No sewage or trade effluent, including cooling water containing chemical additives, or vehicle washing water, including steam cleaning effluent, shall be discharged into the surface water draining system.

14 No vehicles shall leave the site with earth, mud etc. adhering to the wheels in a quantity which may result in its being deposited on the public highway, or footpath and creating nuisance, or hazard to vehicles, or pedestrians and suitable wheel washing equipment to avoid such problems shall be installed, operated and maintained on the site until the development is completed.

15 Full details of proposed extract ventilation systems shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. The details to include proposed odour control measures, fan location and duct discharge positions. Such schemes shall be approved and installed to the Council’s satisfaction prior to the commencement of the uses.

16 Prior to any construction commencing on the development details of designated haulage routes, hours of operation, noise levels and facilities for the protection and maintenance of existing public highways in the vicinity of the development to prevent damage, nuisance, hazard to vehicles or pedestrians arising from the works associated with the Development shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

17 Prior to the opening of the Exhibition a detailed assessment of local air quality and a prediction of changes to local air quality as a result of the proposed road and parking areas shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.

The developer shall monitor the level of dust pollution using an objective method of measurement for each working site. The developer shall submit to the Local Planning Authority the proposed method, the frequency and location of monitoring. Baseline levels of dust shall be agreed prior to the commencement of works of demolition and construction. The developer shall also agree action levels of dust pollution with the Local Planning Authority. When these levels are exceeded the developer shall take action to ensure that the levels of dust are reduced.

18 The demolition, earth removal, piling work and any mechanical building operations which are audible at the nearest residential property shall only be carried out between the hours of:

Monday to Friday 7.30 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.
Saturdays 8.00 a.m. -1.30 p.m.

and not at all on Sundays and Bank Holidays, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority

19 Full details of the floodlighting of the dome and external areas within the site shall be submitted to and approved by the local Planning Authority and the approved scheme shall be fully implemented to the satisfaction of the LPA prior to the exhibition use commencing.

20 Any proposed water features shall be constructed in accordance with details which shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the planning authority before the relevant works commence except for works to the Exhibition Dome.

21 Enhancement works to the watercourse shall be carried out in accordance with details which shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the planning authority before the relevant works commence (except for works to the Exhibition Dome). The details will include how the preexisting mature shrub habitat shall be replaced as a result of the redevelopment of the site.

22 Environmentally sympathetic land works shall be carried out to complement the character and setting of the site and the uses to which it shall be put with details submitted to and approved in writing by the planning authority before the development commences. Only native species typical of the tidal Thames shall be planted adjacent to the watercourse.

23 New undisturbed high and low-tide feeding areas for birds shall be provided on site to offset the loss of existing areas with details submitted to and approved in writing by the planning authority before the relevant works commence (except for works to the Exhibition Dome).

24 No modifications to the existing flood defence wall or disturbance to the foreshore shall be carried out until a biological survey (invertebrates and plants) has been undertaken for the relevant sections of wall in accordance with details submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

25 An Environmental Plan developing an integrated programme of sustainable site management shall be submitted to and approved by the local planning authority within 3 months of this consent. The above mentioned environmental plan shall include waste management, use of energy, use of materials, air quality, noise nuisance and cleanliness. Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plan.

26 An hydraulic computer 2-D model shall be undertaken to assess the local impacts of the piers and other structures in the river on the foreshore and the consequential effects on the habitats. The method and extent of the model shall be agreed with the Planning Authority prior to the commencement of the assessment. Details of appropriate measures to prevent the local impacts, including provisions for monitoring, shall then be submitted and approved in writing by the Planning Authority before the development of piers and other structures in the river commences. The development shall then proceed in strict accordance with the measures approved.

1.2.4 Highway Issues

27 No building work shall be started until a formal Designated/priority Route Notification under the 1985 Local Government Act and 1991 Road Traffic Act has been submitted for approval by the Traffic Director for London.

28 Full details of the design, layout and servicing arrangements of all areas allocated for vehicle parking shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority prior to any work commencing on these aspects of the development.

29 Details of road and areas for adoption by the Council including details of traffic management and traffic calming measures within the site and the works to be undertaken to existing adopted highways within the site shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority before any highway works are commences within the exhibition site area.

30 Details of proposals for movement of pedestrians and cyclists including the provision of cycle parking within the site shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of use.

31 Full details of access arrangements throughout the whole site for people with mobility difficulties shall be submitted to and approved by the Local planning Authority prior to the commencement of the relevant part of the development and the approved details shall be fully implemented before the exhibition commences.

32 The whole of the car parking accommodation shown on the approved drawings shall be provided and retained throughout the duration of the exhibition and the areas shall not be used for any purpose other than the parking of vehicles and no trade or business shall be carried out so as to interfere with such use.

33 All land allocated for the parking and manoeuvring of commercial vehicles, including hire cars and coaches, shall be retained as such through out the duration of the exhibition and the areas shall not be used for any purpose other than the parking and manoeuvring of vehicles and no trade or business shall be carried out so as to interfere with such use.

34 All land allocated for support area shall be used for operational purposes only and at no time shall it be used for visitor car parking without the prior written consent of the Local Planning Authority.

35 Details of coach parking, taxi drop-off, Kiss and Ride, and other parking, cycle and footpath access facilities shall be submitted to and approved by the Local planning Authority prior to the commencement of the Exhibition use. Details shall include the maximum number of spaces to be permitted on the site and the non-road based / public transport elements of the development and a review of forecasts / model splits.

36 Details of the number of spaces within the proposed car park that are to be allocated to specific user-groups – i.e. orange badge holders, VIPs and people with special needs – shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority before the relevant works commence (except for works to the Exhibition Dome).

1.2.5 Archaeological

37 No development shall take place within 16 metres of the tidal flood defences or on the foreshore until the applicant, or their agents or successors in title, has secured the implementation of a programme or archaeological work in accordance with a written scheme of investigation which has been submitted by the applicant and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

38 No development shall take place in each relevant part of the development (excluding the footprint of the Dome) until the applicant has secured the implementation of a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a written scheme for the investigation, which has been submitted by the applicant and approved by the London Borough of Greenwich. The development shall only take place in accordance with the detailed scheme pursuant to this condition. the archaeological works shall be carried out by a suitably qualified investigating body acceptable to the London Borough of Greenwich.

39 Where deemed necessary as a result of the archaeological investigation, no work shall take place on the relevant part of the development until the detailed design and method statement for the foundation design and all new ground works has been submitted to and approved in writing by the London Borough of Greenwich as Local Planning Authority. The development hereby approved shall only take place in accordance with the detailed scheme approved pursuant to this condition.

N.B. Three additional conditions were imposed at the Meeting along with some minor additions in one of the existing Conditions. These will be appended when the formal wording has been received from the Council.

1.3 REASONS:

01 To enable the Council to consider the matter at the end of the period having regard to the circumstances existing at the time.

02 In order to maintain the character and amenities of the area.

03 In order that the Council may be satisfied with the external appearance of the building.

04 In the interests of the long term development of the site.

05 In order that the Council may be satisfied with the details of the proposal.

06 To ensure that the appearance of the development is satisfactory and that it contributes to the character and appearance of the area in accordance with Policy 03 of the Unitary Development Plan.

07 In order that the Council may be satisfied with the details of the proposal.

08 In order to maintain the character and amenities of the area.

09 To safeguard the amenities of neighbouring properties and the area generally.

10 In the interest of the prospective occupiers of the land.

11 In the interest of the prospective occupiers of the land.

12 To maintain the integrity of the existing flood defences.

13 To prevent pollution of the water environment.

14 In order to safeguard the safety and amenity of users of surrounding roads and footways.

15 In the interests of the amenities of neighbouring properties.

16 In order to safeguard the safety and amenity of users of surrounding roads and footways.

17 In order that the Council can undertake local air quality measurement measures.

18 To safeguard the amenities of neighbouring properties and the area generally.

19 In order that the Council may be satisfied with the details of the proposal.

20 To protect the water environment.

(Note to Planning Authority: The Environment Agency should be consulted on any details relating to any proposed water features, such as the lakes in the middle of the site).

21 To enhance the river corridor.

(Note to Planning Authority: The Environment Agency should be consulted on any details relating to enhancement works to the watercourse).

22 To protect and enhance the river corridor and water environment.

(Note to Planning Authority: The Environment Agency should be consulted on any details relating to landscaping works).

23 To protect existing bird habitat areas.

(Note to Planning Authority: The Environment Agency should be consulted on any details relating to bird roosting areas).

24 To protect the water environment.

(Note to Planning Authority: The Environment Agency should be consulted on any details relating to the biological survey).

25 In order that the Council may be satisfied with the details of the proposal.

25A In order that the Council may be satisfied with the details of the proposal.

26 To maintain the integrity of the existing flood defences and to protect the river corridor and its associated habitats.

(Note to Planning Authority: The Environment Agency should be consulted on all matters relating to the hydraulic 2-D model. It is understood that the design of the piers will be considered as a reserve matter. A recent investigation by H.R. Wallingford has revealed that floating structures have an impact on velocities and bed shear stresses. Since 3 piers are proposed near the northern part of the Greenwich Peninsula (Meridian Pier, East India and Thames Wharf) close to one another, the combined effect on these may have an adverse effect on the foreshore at this location. The proposed dredging near the piers may have an affect on the foreshore and may jeopardise the stability of the river defences.

Under the Water Resources Act, 1991, the prior written consent of the Environment Agency: Thames Region is required for any works in, over, under or within 16m of the River Thames, irrespective of any planning permission granted.

27 The proposed development and associated highway works affect the Designated Road Priority Route which require approval from the Traffic Director for London

28 To safeguard and protect the amenities of neighbouring properties and the area generally in accordance with Policies E6 and E12 of the Unitary Development Plan.

29 To comply with Policy H30 of the Unitary Development Plan.

30 To comply with Policy M8 of the Unitary Development Plan.

31 To facilitate movement by those with mobility difficulties and to comply with Policies D12, M4 and M41 of the Unitary Development Plan.

32 To ensure adequate off street parking provision is maintained in the interests of general road safety.

33 To ensure that adequate off street parking provision is maintained in the interests of general traffic safety.

34 To safeguard against the over-provision of car parking within the site.

35 In order that the Council may be satisfied with the details of the proposal.

36 In order that the Council may be satisfied with the details of the proposal.

37 The site is within an area identified of archaeological significance and potential.

38 The site is within an area identified of archaeological significance and potential.

39 The site is within an area identified of archaeological significance and potential.

Overall copyright: David Riddle
Compiled from Greenwich Council Meeting Agenda and personal attendance.
Last updated: 10/2/97