Caroline Pidgeon’s response

Further to my previous post, I have now met with a number of residents who have concerns about the proposed bridge and have been in touch with TfL to try to understand the status of the proposal, timescale and to raise some of the issues I have picked up.

It is very clear that the bridge is being driven by Wandsworth Council. The final bridge designer is due to be announced shortly from the four firms/consortia that were shortlisted. This is the selection of the designer not the final bridge design.

Clearly any planning application will need to have the support of both Wandsworth and Westminster Councils through their planning committees. I am not clear whether Westminster will support the plans given the significant issues that are emerging regarding open space on the Westminster side. Of course, the Mayor of London can always take over the planning application.

The landing options on the Westminster side are critical and unless a suitable solution is found that does not damage the area, then I will withdraw my initial support for this bridge.

I have been urging TfL to focus its energies on the much needed pedestrian and cycle bridge between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf.