Don’t fill the Rill: MP backs petition to save water feature

We reported last month that The Rill – the artificial stream at More London Place – had been filled in, although the estate's owners have yet to receive permission for the work.

A 'Reopen The Rill' petition was started last month by Tobias Wamser and has attracted more than 260 signatures.

Neil Coyle MP tweeted this week: "If you think More London is less London without The Rill, please sign this petition to bring back the feature that delighted so many (and which was removed without permission)."

The Daily Telegraph also threw its support behind the campaign last month, with an editorial that concluded with the words "please bring the Rill back".

So far 36 written objections to the loss of The Rill have been recorded by the council's planning department.

According to the council's planning database, a decision on the future of The Rill is now expected to be made by elected councillors at planning committee, rather than as a delegated decision by council officers.

Broadgate Estates, which made the planning application, has not responded to enquiries from SE1 and other media outlets asking for more details of the rationale for the change.

A written question for next week's Southwark council assembly meeting has also been tabled by London Bridge & West Bermondsey councillor William Houngbo.

Cllr Houngbo has asked Cllr Johnson Situ, the cabinet member for planning, whether Southwark Council was notified that More London planned to brick up The Rill before works went ahead. An answer will be published on the evening of 11 July.