Public inquiry into Make’s ITV studios redevelopment begins today

The public inquiry into Make’s controversial plans to redevelop the former ITV studios on London’s South Bank kicks off today.

The scheme was sent to the planning inspectorate following then-communities secretary Greg Clark’s decision in September to call it in, a week after London mayor Sadiq Khan had approved the plans.

Developed by CO-RE and Mitsubishi Estate, the proposals will see the demolition of all buildings on the site formerly used as ITV’s headquarters to make way for two office towers up to 26 storeys in height.

The size of the riverfront scheme had been contested because of its proximity to the grade II*-listed National Theatre and the grade II-listed IBM Building.

Clark said in his decision letter that the inquiry should consider evidence on the extent to which the plans are “consistent with the government policies for conserving and enhancing the historic environment, particularly in respect of designated heritage assets”.

It was approved by Lambeth council in March despite the planning application receiving hundreds of objections from locals, including Vauxhall MP Florence Eshalomi, and protests from campaign groups.

Building revealed Michael Gove, Clark’s predecessor - and successor - stepped in a month later, placing an Article 31 notice on the council’s decision which prevented works from starting to allow ministers time to decide whether the plans need further scrutiny.

The Twentieth Century Society later wrote to Clark urging him to call in the scheme, which it said would have a “profoundly detrimental effect on the special character and appearance of the riverfront site”.

>>See also: Gove intervention on ITV studios leaves many wondering which scheme is next in firing line

CO-RE and Mitsubishi Estate said the plans will “strengthen” the South Bank and described the current site as a “dormant closed-off tower in a part of the South Bank that desperately needs investment”.

The pair bought the plot for close to £150m in November 2019. The project team also includes landscape architect Grant Associates, engineer Arup and QS Alinea.

Shortly before the proposals were effectively put on ice with the announcement of the Article 31 notice, Building revealed Lendlease had won a £400m contract for the redevelopment, codenamed “Project Vista”, beating Sir Robert McAlpine and Laing O’Rourke to the job.

The inquiry starts at 10am and is expected to run for 12 days, although this duration is not fixed and could extend if new evidence emerges.