Thames Gateway in danger of being blown off course warns new CPRE report

A new report by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) warns that much more serious government intervention is crucial to the success of one of the most ambitious urban regeneration projects in recent years.

CPRE’s Thames Gateway project leader, Nigel Kersey said: "There is a great deal of rhetoric from the government and local authorities about how the Thames Gateway will become an exemplar of regeneration and planning practices. It is now time to start looking closely at how well the rhetoric in being matched by the reality."

The report, "Focus on the Thames Gateway" published today, strongly advises the government that unless more intervention and leadership in the economy, planning and building, and the protection of environment are provided, the East London Thames Gateway project could be blown off course.

Amongst a list of criteria, the report suggests investment in new jobs in the region, more intervention in how efficiently land is used, and a serious look at management of parks and green spaces in the area.

Kersey warned: "Our future progress reports will highlight key social, economic and environmental trends, illustrating how effective the investment by councils and the government is in making a positive impact on the quality of people’s lives."

He added: "Even within the official monitoring regime, there are serious gaps in the available information about changes that are taking place on the ground."