Shell shop plans in doubt

The £160m plan to turn the base of the Shell tower next to Jubilee Gardens into a shopping complex has been rejected by Lambeth Council.

Nearby local residents had objected to the threatened competition to the existing shops in Lower Marsh. The Shell plan included provision for a small supermarket. Residents in the new County Hall flats had objected to the loss of open space and possible noise problems.

The project is a joint venture between Bluewater developer Lendlease and Shell. An appeal by Shell to the Secretary of State is expected to result in a long public inquiry.