The inspector who heard the 11-month inquiry into plans for the Thames Gateway Bridge decided not to recommend permissions for the project. So why is the public inquiry to be reopened? LINDA PIPER reports.

FOR months, campaigners against plans for a six-lane bridge across the Thames at Thamesmead have been calling for the public inquiry into the project to be reopened.

Opponents of the bridge, including Bexley's Tory council, argued developments since the inquiry closed in May last year, such as plans to start levy tolls on other nearby river crossings, would affect the bridge proposals.

Last Thursday they got their wish.

Local Government and Communities Secretary Hazel Blears announced the inquiry would reopen, with a list of issues she wanted it to cover.

What opponents had not bargained for was inquiry inspector Michael Ellison's report and recommendations.

Mr Ellison concluded the special roads scheme, which would provide the authority to build the bridge, should not be confirmed.

He said the side roads order, which would allow for existing roads to be stopped up, improved or new ones created to help serve the bridge, should not be confirmed, nor should the compulsory purchase order to buy land needed for the bridge scheme.

Mr Ellison also recommended the toll order which would set out the tolls for the bridge, and proposed by Transport for London (TfL), should not be confirmed.

The only application in the whole project to be approved by the inspector, subject to certain conditions, was for an additional construction site area on land east of Armada Way, Beckton.

In his report to the Secretary of State, Mr Ellison concluded the bridge proposal would not meet many of the criteria laid down for new road schemes set out in the London Plan.

He felt the bridge would not improve safety; would not improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists and would increase net traffic capacity.

He also said claims the bridge was necessary for the economic regeneration of the area, needed much closer examination.

After reading his report, Ms Blears decided to defer a decision on the bridge and to reopen the inquiry.

She says she needs more information on certain aspects of the proposals and wants these to be provided at the reopened inquiry.

WHAT THE INQUIRY WILL BE LOOKING AT

A revised traffic model taking account of: l the increased tolls at Dartford and any other Thames river crossing TfL may consider over the next five years.

  • the end of the tidal flow in the Blackwall Tunnel.
  • changes in Department of Transport guidance on the appraisal of road schemes.

Local Government and Communities Secretary Hazel Blears also wants:

  • an update on the regeneration benefits of the bridge.
  • an assessment of changes in environmental policies since the inquiry closed.
  • an updated environmental statement.
  • whether the bridge plans meet adopted and emerging development plan policies.
  • an assessment of any other key changes in planning, transport and environment policies since the inquiry closed.

'IF IT WAS A BOXING MATCH IT WOULD BE STOPPED'

REACTIONS to the decision have been mixed.

Those who supported the bridge - including London Mayor Ken Livingstone and Greenwich and Newham councils, are angry the project is to be delayed.

They say the benefits from the bridge are vital for the deprived communities of the area, the London Olympics and the regeneration of the Thames Gateway, as well as redressing the inbalance of river crossings in east London.

Those who opposed the bridge also have mixed feelings.

Veteran anti-bridge campaigner, Dr Barry Gray from People Against the River Crossing said: "ThIs has been going on for 25 years and the proposals have been beaten three times.

"If this was a boxing match the referee would stop it to prevent them from taking any more punishment.

"Are they going to keep holding inquiries until they get the decision they want?"

Jacqui Wise from Action Group Against the Bridge said she had a beaming smile when she first heard the news the inquiry was being reopened.

She added: "Now the reality of the inspector's report has hit me. But I think all the new information to be produced will only strengthen our case."

Friends of the Earth has condemned Ms Blears for not acting on the inspector's report.

Philip Connolly, secretary of Greenwich Action to Stop Pollution, described the inspector's conclusions as a landmark and a turning point for the environmental movement.

Bexley Council and Bexleyheath and Crayford MP David Evennett expressed bitter disappointment Ms Blears had failed to act on the inspector's findings.

Erith and Thamesmead MP John Austin welcomed the reopening of the inquiry and said it would be for supporters to prove the regeneration benefits of the scheme.