Sir Edward Lister, Boris Johnson’s chief of staff and deputy for planning, has criticized the Government’s decision to review the £1 billion redevelopment of the Shell building on the South Bank.
He dismissed opponents of the scheme as being “ridiculous” if they believed they would be able to preserve the area “in aspic” forever.
He went on to say that critics to the scheme, are unjustified in their concerns that it will be detrimental the area.
Sir Edward said that the area is changing and that it must be allowed to grow and expand. He discounted claims that the development would have a negative impact on the World Heritage Site at Parliament Square
The 1.45 million sq ft complex had been previously approved by Mr. Johnson, as well as the Labour-run Lambeth and Southwark councils and the South Bank centre.
It was to include the existing 27-storey Shell Centre, as well as eight new buildings with shops and offices. Another 877 homes were to be added to the project.
Sir Edward has insisted that his lawyers would be very forceful in making their case at the inquiry.
He has offered praise for the plans, saying that it gives Shell a new global headquarters with the space that they require.
