HC Deb 21 October 1985 vol 84 cc97-8W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) in relation to the Canary wharf site in the Isle of Dogs enterprise zone, what will be the effect of the proposed development scheme on the silhouette of the Tower of London as seen from London bridge;

(2) in relation to the Canary wharf site in the Isle of Dogs enterprise zone, what studies have been carried out on its visual impact (a) when seen from the Royal Observatory and Green park and (b) upon the Royal Naval college and the Queen's house; and how will this vista be affected;

(3) in relation to the Canary wharf site in the Isle of Dogs enterprise zone, what studies have been undertaken of the impact of the proposals on views along the River Thames; and what are the effects;

(4) in relation to the Canary wharf site in the Isle of Dogs enterprise zone, what studies have been done to determine if the proposed structures will be visible from hill tops in north or south London;

(5) if the proposed structures at the Canary wharf site in the Isle of Dogs enterprise zone will be visible from Richmond park.

Sir George Young

London Docklands Development Corporation, which is the local planning and Enterprise Zone authority for the area, has commissioned further studies to supplement the work that the developers have already undertaken on these issues, as part of a wider assessment of the scheme. Final agreement to the development will not be given until the corporation is satisfied on these and other points.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Canary wharf site in the Isle of Dogs enterprise zone falls within a preferred office location in the Greater London development plan as approved by the Secretary of State in 1976.

Sir George Young

No. When the Greater London development plan was approved in 1976, the West India docks, of which Canary wharf forms a part, were still open for cargo handling.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how the proposals for the Canary wharf site in the Isle of Dogs enterprise zone will affect the outstanding office permissions or commitments in central London.

Sir George Young

At this stage, it is not possible to tell.