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Mayor's bike hire scheme under attack

09/07/2010

London Mayor Boris Johnson's flagship cycle hire scheme has come under attack at the High Court.

Mayfair resident Noel Carroll asked a judge for permission to challenge Westminster City Council's decision to allow the siting of one of the project's 400 bike "docking stations" near his home.

The 30-metre station is planned for South Audley Street, which is in a conservation area containing several listed buildings including Harry's Bar - a private club which has its entrance near the proposed station.

Mr Carroll, 63, and other Mayfair residents are accusing Westminster City Council of unlawfully failing to take into account the environmental damage the scheme would cause through increased noise and traffic congestion. There is particular concern over noise impact on the Mayfair library and the Grosvenor Chapel, a Grade II* listed building.

On Friday Sasha Blackmore, appearing for Mr Carroll, said there had been a failure by Westminster planners to consider whether an environmental impact assessment (EIA) was required. Ms Blackmore told the court that a "secret" Transport for London (TfL) report was not before the planning committee which gave permission.

She said: "Planning officers didn't have some of the information in this report. If they had their decisions would have been different."

Deputy High Court judge Michael Supperstone QC indicated that, if the EIA argument was a good one, it could have "ramifications" for the Mayor's London-wide cycle scheme as a whole.

Mr Carroll, who lives in nearby South Street and is a member of Harry's Bar, said: "Our beautiful conservation area must not be defaced by this horrible lump of metal. It would bring down this very beautiful place. It would not be a very pretty sight."

A TfL spokesman said: "TfL has worked closely with the London boroughs to identify the most suitable locations for cycle hire docking stations, with all applications subject to planning consent and including a period of consultation.

"The boroughs, as the planning authorities, make the final decision on whether to approve the locations. This particular site on South Audley Street was granted planning consent by Westminster Council in August 2009. Installation of the docking station is due to commence next week."

Source; Press Association

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More roadworks, more fecking chaos, more people killed as they hire them when they're pizzed.