Elected Greens and Local Residents welcome Environment Committee’s call for Sadiq Khan to reject MSG Sphere application

Councillor Nate Higgins

Zack Polanski AM

London’s Environment Committee has recommended Sadiq Khan reject the proposed MSG Sphere in his stage two decision[1]
The MSG Sphere is a proposed entertainment venue with a ‘skin’ of over 1 million LEDs, capable of beaming adverts through the windows of nearby residential developments
Local Green Councillor Nate Higgins: “Sadiq Khan must listen to residents, ward councillors, the Mayor of Newham, and now the Environment Committee and reject the application.”
Stop MSG Sphere: “We have long argued that this development will have many detrimental impacts on residents and the local area, including from light pollution. Khan must remember he represents millions of Londoners, not big business based in the United States.”
Environment Committee chair Zack Polanski AM: “The MSG sphere would be hugely detrimental both for people and wildlife - and I welcome the growing political consensus in refusing this project”

The London Assembly Environment Committee, chaired by Green Party Deputy Leader Zack Polanski AM, has this week published a light pollution report recommending Sadiq Khan reject the proposed MSG Sphere when the application is referred to Sadiq Khan for his stage two decision. This comes after years of campaigning from local campaign group Stop MSG Sphere.

The Sphere is opposed by Stratford Olympic Park councillors Nate Higgins and Danny Keeling, who represent the ward it is due to be built in, as well as Newham’s Planning Authority, local Mayor, MP, and London Assembly member.

Green Party Councillor Nate Higgins said: “We’re incredibly thankful for the support of London’s Environment Committee in backing our residents’ opposition to the installation of massive LED advertising screens in the middle of a highly residential area. We’ve worked hard to make the voice of residents heard on this – through the press, letters, motions and speeches, and we’re delighted this now has the attention of London’s Environment committee.”

Four years ago, thousands signed a petition[2] led by local campaign group Stop MSG Sphere. Responding to the report, a spokesperson for the campaign said: “We are delighted the Committee is recommending that the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, rejects the MSG Sphere planning application. We have long argued that this development will have many detrimental impacts on residents and the local area, including from light pollution. Khan must remember he represents millions of Londoners, not big business based in the United States.”

Local resident who lives opposite the proposed site of the Sphere, Chris Brooks said: “Like so many who live nearby, I’m worried about the damage this proposal would cause. There would be chaos at Stratford Station, which is already dangerous, and the light pollution would be harmful to residents and wildlife. I’m frustrated that the proposal could go ahead despite the opposition of my local councillors and the entire council itself. This report gives me hope that Khan will listen to us and block the Sphere.”

Green Party Deputy Leader and London Assembly member Zack Polanski AM, who chairs the Environment Committee, said: “Our cross party report makes clear the detrimental effects of light pollution. Unlike air and water pollution which rightly get considered - the Mayor lacks a strategy for light. The MSG sphere would be hugely detrimental both for people and wildlife - and I welcome the growing political consensus in refusing this project."

Despite the widespread opposition by residents and elected representatives at every level, in March 2022 the London Legacy Development Corportation’s Planning Committee recommended the Sphere for approval. It is now down to Sadiq Khan to make his stage 2 decision.

Councillor Higgins said: “The MSG Sphere is an assault on democracy. You don’t get this sort of unity among elected representatives in opposition to the Sphere without widespread anger among residents. Sadiq Khan must listen to residents, ward councillors, the Mayor of Newham, West Ham MP Lyn Brown, Assembly Members, and now the London Assembly’s Environment Committee and reject the application.”

Calling for action, Stop MSG Sphere’s spokesperson added: “Join us and the Committee in urging Khan to reject the MSG Sphere by emailing mayor@london.gov.uk.”

Greens have long opposed the MSG Sphere. In the 2021 London Mayoral Election, Green candidate Sian Berry AM signed a pledge to oppose the Sphere, and in August 2022 wrote to Sadiq Khan asking him to reject the application[3]. Green councillors Nate Higgins and Danny Keeling, who both represent Stratford Olympic Park, wrote to Sadiq Khan in December 2022[4] asking him to intervene. Greens also led a campaign from July 2022 to February 2023 calling for the Mayor of Newham to ask for Khan to reject the application, which was ultimately successful[5].

The application will soon be referred to Sadiq Khan for his stage 2 decision, after which Secretary of State Michael Gove MP will have the opportunity to call in the application. The campaign to Stop the Sphere will continue.

ENDS

Councillor Nate Higgins uses he/him pronouns. Zack Polanski AM uses he/him pronouns. Chris Brooks uses he/him pronouns.

Notes

The Green Party is the main and only opposition party elected to Newham Council.