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Some papers are today suggesting @MayorofLondon Sadiq Khan is "implicated" in the Westferry planning row.
Nice try, but Khan was just informing Desmond of official London development policy, which offers a Fast Track Route for developments offering 35% affordable housing. https://twitter.com/thetimes/status/1276747235921932290
Nice try, but Khan was just informing Desmond of official London development policy, which offers a Fast Track Route for developments offering 35% affordable housing. https://twitter.com/thetimes/status/1276747235921932290
The key quote from the story is Desmond claiming that "Sadiq told me that if I wanted to look at a denser scheme, as long as I gave him 35 per cent affordable housing he would support it and would fast track it." https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8464245/amp/Richard-Desmond-says-Sadiq-Khan-promised-fast-track-controversial-1bn-Westferry-development.html
But according to London's catchily titled Affordable Housing and Viability Supplementary Planning Guidance -
"Under the Threshold Approach, development proposals that provide 35 per cent affordable housing .. can follow the Fast Track Route." https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/planning/implementing-london-plan/planning-guidance/affordable-housing-and-viability-supplementary-planning-guidance-spg
"Under the Threshold Approach, development proposals that provide 35 per cent affordable housing .. can follow the Fast Track Route." https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/planning/implementing-london-plan/planning-guidance/affordable-housing-and-viability-supplementary-planning-guidance-spg
Khan claims he can't remember talking to Desmond, but even if Desmond's telling the truth it looks like all Khan did was tell him about a policy that, as a London property developer, he should really have known already.
A far cry from what Jenrick did... https://twitter.com/_johnbye/status/1276415171209158656
A far cry from what Jenrick did... https://twitter.com/_johnbye/status/1276415171209158656
In a separate article for The Times last weekend, Desmond is described as "alleging that [Khan] privately offered his support for the scheme before doing a U-turn".
But also seems to be misleading. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/robert-jenrick-watched-housing-promo-video-on-richard-desmonds-phone-bqb0s8kz2
But also seems to be misleading. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/robert-jenrick-watched-housing-promo-video-on-richard-desmonds-phone-bqb0s8kz2
The affordable housing planning guidance also says developments have to "meet tenure, affordability and other relevant requirements".
The Westferry scheme didn't meet the tenure requirements.
So was it "crap conduct" by Khan, or following the rules? https://www.egi.co.uk/news/khan-steps-in-on-desmonds-westferry-printworks-plans/
The Westferry scheme didn't meet the tenure requirements.
So was it "crap conduct" by Khan, or following the rules? https://www.egi.co.uk/news/khan-steps-in-on-desmonds-westferry-printworks-plans/
Ironically, the other issue Khan raised with the updated scheme was its impact on local infrastructure.
Jenrick rushed Desmond's appeal to save him having to pay a £45m community infrastructure levy to Tower Hamlets (aka "the Marxists"). https://twitter.com/_johnbye/status/1276415307582705665
Jenrick rushed Desmond's appeal to save him having to pay a £45m community infrastructure levy to Tower Hamlets (aka "the Marxists"). https://twitter.com/_johnbye/status/1276415307582705665
Also, although the plan rejected by Tower Hamlets initially met the 35% affordable housing target for fast tracking, when Desmond appealed that decision he reduced it to just 21%!
This would have saved him another £106m if Jenrick's ruling had stood. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53159091
This would have saved him another £106m if Jenrick's ruling had stood. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53159091
