London’s Sphere could be back on the cards

Ministers want to save plans to build the 300 ft crystal dome.

London’s answer to Las Vegas’s sphere may still go ahead despite Sadiq Khan blocking the plan.

Michael Gove has written a letter instructing the London Legacy Development Corporation not to deny planning permission for the 300ft-high ‘Crystal Ball’.

The Mayor of London blocked the £800 million scheme last week, saying people in Stratford were concerned about light pollution and its lack of green credentials.

Plans for the giant dome in Stratford were approved last year, despite opposition from locals and Newham councillors.

Fighting the plans are the campaign group Stop MSG Sphere London and a spokesperson for the group Lindesay Mace told the Daily Telegraph: ‘The sphere is designed for Vegas, the city of lights. It is not designed for a small site that is surrounded with three blocks of residential properties.

‘Developers are insulting residents by offering black out blinds… some of our group live directly opposite it.’

However supporters of the project say it will feature bars and restaurants, and will boost the capital’s economy by £2.5 billion.

Before Mr Khan rejected the proposal, Mr Gove hinted he wanted to be able to scrutinise the application.

Mr Gove’s letter reads: ‘The Secretary of State hereby prohibits Your Local Planning Authority from implementing the Mayor’s direction of November 20 to refuse permission.

‘The direction is issued to enable him to consider whether he should direct under section 77 of the Town and Country Planning Act that the application should be referred to him for determination.’

The secretary of state is able is able to overrule the Mayor of London.

Mr Khan said the venue would cause ‘significant light intrusion resulting in significant harm to the outlook of neighbouring properties, detriment to human health, and significant harm to the general amenity enjoyed by residents of their own homes’.

James Dolan, a US media mogul, is behind the project in Las Vegas and singer Bono described him as ‘mad b******’ following U2’s gig at the venue.

The 21,000-capacity MSG sphere would have been illuminated on the outside and have the highest resolution LED screen on Earth – as well as immersive sound systems to host concerts, shows and sporting events.

The 4.7-acre site intended for the dome had been bought by MSG after it was left empty following the the 2012 London Olympics.

A Mayor of London spokesperson said: ‘London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious, innovative entertainment venues in our city.

‘But as part of looking at the planning application for the MSG Sphere, the Mayor has seen independent evidence that shows the current proposals would result in an unacceptable negative impact on local residents.’

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