What next for Potters Fields?

The statement follows confirmation of the leaked verdict of the planning inspector and the news that the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is "minded to accept the Inspector's recommendation that the appeal be allowed and to grant planning permission for the proposed development subject to conditions", although a final decision has been deferred for six weeks whilst concerns about affordable housing and other issues are addressed.

Berkeley Homes wants to build a cluster of 18-storey cylindrical towers by Ian Ritchie Architects on the vacant former coach park site between Potters Fields Park and Tower Bridge Road.

Southwark Council/Berkeley Homes statement in full

Southwark Council, the main landowner of Potters Field, is committed to making the best use of this prime London location.

The Council has been working with Berkeley Homes for some months, to find a way of providing the homes that they wish to build, and in addition, deliver a major cultural attraction.

This has included preparing a longer-term approach to planning the site for consideration by the Planning Inspector who is currently reviewing Southwark's Unitary Development Plan.

Both parties note the decision of the Deputy Prime Minister in respect of the earlier proposals for development of Potters Field, are grateful that the decision brings greater clarity, and will now consider the detail of the matters raised.

We are very pleased to be able to move to the next stage and share a firm commitment to regenerate the site, confident of the many economic and community benefits that this project will bring to Southwark and, indeed, London as a whole.

Detailed discussions are continuing between Berkeley Homes and Southwark Council on how best to meet their combined objectives for this opportunity.

Berkeley Homes statement

Berkeley Homes welcomes the decision of the Deputy Prime Minister in respect of Berkeley's appeal against the earlier decision to refuse planning for its development of Potters Field, adjacent to Tower Bridge. Berkeley is grateful for the clarity that the decision brings and will now consider the detail of the matters raised.

Berkeley is pleased that the Appeal process is now almost complete and renews its commitment to work in partnership with the London Borough of Southwark to achieve the regeneration of the site, confident of the many economic and community benefits that this project will bring to Southwark and, indeed, London as a whole.