Livingstone vows to act over gasholder issue if re-elected
Ken Livingstone took time out of his London Mayoral election campaign trail this morning to talk to Show House news editor Marc Da-Silva, to inform him that tackling the gasholders issue will be at the top of his agenda if re-elected as Mayor of London today.
In May’s issue of Show House magazine – out today – we highlighted the fact that the proposed construction of tens of thousands of homes across the capital are at risk. This is due to the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) new risk assessments for planning applications surrounding hazardous installations, primarily gasometers, despite the fact that they appear to pose no real threat, and have existed for over a century.
A number of developments have already been delayed, with many more set to be postponed, as a consequence of the HSE’s cautious, and arguably, unnecessary approach.
Livingstone said: “The HSE’s stance on gasholders is ludicrous, and will prevent the construction of much needed new homes across the capital. We already have measures in place to legally challenge the HSE for a change in the regulation, and it will be one of the first actions I take, if re-elected as Mayor of London.
“A major project at the Oval has already been affected by the regulation, as has part of the Greenwich Peninsula – which is an essential, and one of London’s most significant, urban regeneration sites. If we do not take action against the HSE, other major projects will also be hindered.”
Last week, Nick Raynsford MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, also assured Show House that action would be taken against the HSE. He has already spoken to Jim Knight (Minister for Schools and Learners) personally to highlight his concerns over the gasholder issue, who in turn has spoken to Caroline Flint (housing minister) directly. He, along with the housebuilding industry, is now awaiting a response.
Posted by Marc Da-Silva
in Caroline Flint, Health and Safety Executive, Jim Knight, Ken Livingstone, News
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