Olympics story by Vinnie Mitchell, Sat, 19 Nov 2005 13:08:01 GMT


London Development Agency (LDA) has issued a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for securing land needed for the 2012 Olympic Games. This is for a 345 hectare site in east London, which houses around 270 businesses and some private housing societies.

However, many of the companies in the Marshgate Lane area of Stratford complain that they are being forced out. On the other hand, LDA says it is still willing to negotiate individual voluntary agreements.

Chief executive of the LDA, Manny Lewis, said: “This CPO is a necessary and important step towards the transformation of the Lower Lea Valley and the delivery of the Olympic Park.” He adds that this area would be regenerated and “will give local communities the boost they deserve.” He added: "A legacy of 9,000 new homes, double the number of jobs in the Olympic zone area alone, business opportunities, social facilities, including schools, more green space and, of course, fantastic new sports venues.”

But, Marshgate Lane businessman Lance Forman asked: “What's the point in regenerating it [the area], when you are going to destroy 300 good businesses and 10,000 jobs.”

The LDA has however assured that majority of those affected would be relocated by the summer of 2007.

MPs came to know recently that several decades ago a landowner had imposed restrictions on the use to which his land in east London could be put.

Making an appearance before the transport select committee, Richard Caborn, UK sports minister, said they were devising an amendment which would be inserted into the Olympics Bill to deal with the problem. He also assured MPs that the dispute between the LDA and developers involved in the £4 billion would be resolved soon.

On the other hand, officials in charge of planning the 2012 Games say they need help from Parliament to lift a restriction which forbids construction of any sporting facility on land close to the £270 million main stadium.

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