Lib Dems Tell Labour Mayor to Back Off Over High Rise Plans (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems Tell Labour Mayor to Back Off Over High Rise Plans

June 28, 2006 12:00 AM

Southwark Liberal Democrats have slammed Labour Mayor Ken Livingstone for opposing Southwark's decision to designate parts of the borough as 'suburban' and protect them from high-rise blocks.

In response to the Planning Inspector's report, which supports Southwark's approach to density, the Mayor has stated yet again that he wants these areas to be available for high density housing - a move which would totally undermine the character of the areas and which is unnecessary for the Council to meet its housing targets.

This latest example of the Mayor ignoring the views of local people was brought to the attention of councillors at a full Council Assembly, where the Liberal Democrats secured support from Conservative colleagues to send a strong message back to City Hall.

The move has split local Labour councillors with Labour leader Peter John supporting the Lib Dem's and the Council's position in East Dulwich but backing down to Ken in Rotherhithe.

Commenting, Richard Thomas, Executive member for Regeneration and local councillor for East Dulwich, said:

"Plans for high-rise developments in these areas are unacceptable and unnecessary. We have made our case and been vindicated by the Planning Inspector."

"Ken Livingstone should think twice before appealing to the Secretary of State to impose inappropriate high rise development on the residents of East Dulwich and Rotherhithe."

Cllr David Hubber, who moved the motion to Council Assembly, added:

"These developments are simply not necessary and not wanted by local people and Southwark Labour have shown just how out of touch they are by failing to stand up to Ken Livingstone.

"Residents in Labour wards are affected just as much as those in Lib Dem and Tory wards, but Labour members were too cowardly to support our motion asking Ken to respect the wishes of local people."