Row erupts as Olympic village misses energy target

A row is brewing between developer Westfield and Newham council after it emerged that only 2% of the energy for the Olympic village project in Stratford has been provided from on-site renewable sources.

Mayor Ken Livingstone’s London Plan set out a target of 10% target for on-site generation.

The discrepancy has existed since January’s decision to move the Olympic village into the Westfield’s Stratford City scheme. Stratford City was submitted for planning permission in April 2003, 10 months before the London Plan was implemented.

The council is now attempting to increase the amount of renewables to 10%. This is possible because Westfield submitted a revised planning application in May 2006 to allow for more homes in the central district.

However, a source close to the development said the figure was unlikely to rise to 10%.

The source said: “It’s all very well that there is a 10% renewables recommendation in the London plan but it is negotiable. It is up to the council to push as much as they can.”

A spokesman for Westfield said: “The renewables targets are subject to negotiation and the negotiations are ongoing.”

However, a spokesperson for the GLA said the mayor would push for the 10% target. He said: “This planning permission will be referred to the mayor within a week and he will be keen to see a development like this reach London Plan targets. He could refer it to the secretary of state.”

The Stratford City development does include other green elements besides renewables, such as a combined heat and power plant and a legal obligation to construct landmark buildings to high-energy efficiency standards.

The Olympic Delivery Authority effectively lost control over the Olympic village, and its environmental strategy, after planning powers passed to Newham council in January.