major projects
Bermondsey Square development , South London
“ The Council cannot , and will not , accept a development consisting purely of luxury apartments which will be out of reach of the majority of our residents ”
site as having “ the potential to become one of the most sought after addresses in the capital while breathing new life back into London ’ s waterways ”, and one that would create jobs and boost the local economy .
Millionaires ’ playground ? Advocates certainly make the proposal sound idyllic , but with housing and business rental prices in the capital sky-high , significant opposition condemns the floating village as yet another example of elitism that excludes local people : a millionaires ’ playground or “ yuppie ghetto ”, as Mayor of Newham Borough Sir Robin Wales put it . With planners confirming that prospective homeowners will have input into their design , it seems pretty unlikely that many of London ’ s average workers will be moving in .
And so where does this leave the floating village , and to what extent does the opposition harm its chances of becoming a reality , with planning application expected to be submitted
26 September 2014