Agenda item

  Observations to the Olympic Development Authority (ODA) regarding:

§  Planning permission for the Olympic Mode and Legacy Mode Handball Stadium/Arena.

9.1  The Planning Officer introduced the report, as set out in the agenda.

9.2  There being no questions from Members, the Chair moved to the vote.

Unanimously RESOLVED that:-

§  The LBH raise concerns as to external arrangement of the site in Legacy Mode.  ‘Illustrative’ parking arrangements surrounding the venue that isolate the stadium from the wider parkland and little landscaping detail do not aid in understanding how the venue will link into the wider Olympic Park environment.  Further detail will need to be submitted to ensure proper integration in the wider park environment is achieved and an acceptable number of car parking spaces is provided for as currently the illustrative number is considered excessive;

§  Further detail regarding the potential development sites and accessibility between Hackney Wick and the Olympic Park will need to be provided.  This portion of PDZ 5 and in particular any new bridges connecting the site to Hackney Wick will have a huge impact on LBH and circulation to, from and around the Olympic Park;

§  Legacy Cycle parking details need to be developed;

§  Further information is required regarding the predicted trip generation of the arena in Legacy mode.  In addition, the impacts of the increased trip generation need to be assessed and adequate mitigation measures introduced to offset any adverse affects;

§  Further detail is required of the impact on Hackney Wick station when major events are held at this venue in Legacy including additional assessment of these impacts and what measures are proposed to mitigate any adverse impacts on the station and routes to the venue;

§  The Handball Arena site is situated within close proximity to Hackney Wick Station. Detail needs to be provided of how it will be ensured that good connections will exist to this station to enable and encourage patrons to travel via rail to the Legacy venue. What plans are being developed to manage travel during major events at the Legacy venue and what measures will be put in place to protect Hackney during these major events;

§  A travel plan should be produced in consultation with LBH.  The travel plan should be developed in conjunction with the host boroughs and TfL.

§  The Arena’s Isolation from the community, at least initially before communities emerge in the park, will be accentuated if the media centre does not go ahead as planned.

§  There is a need for closer car parking, at least initially,  than the proposed multi-storey car park use to help address potential isolation.

§  This isolation from an existing community for at least the first decade of legacy life means it will have a wide regional draw, (far more than the usual 20 minute travel time to a sports hall). Concern over lack of use for the arena if a pro-active development plan to generate use is not in place.

§  Distance from major public transport points to the site is a problem, and will increase car dependency.

§  There are serious concerns should the Media Centre be reduced in scale in Legacy Mode, as this could have a significant impact on the legacy use and viability of Arena through reduced employment in the immediate area.

§  A site wide and specific events strategy is critical to the success of the venue.

§  Access from Hackney Wick train station is significant.  If the venue is going to work this needs investment to minimise the walking distance and make it safe.

§  Critical to connectivity that one of the remaining permanent bridges is the bridge adjacent to the venue.

§  Concern over how it is possible to get 6,000 people in an out of the venue safely on a dark evening without high car dependency.