The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has given final approval of a new London passenger cruise terminal that will increase cruise ships calling at the city.
Even though there had been opposition from local residents on the new plan in Greenwich at Enderby Wharf was still given the green light. There were concerns on air quality from having more cruise ships which in turn causes more bad fumes from the ship’s fuel.
London’s deputy mayor for planning, Sir Edward Lister, said:
“We have worked with the local authority and the developer to ensure the new terminal and surrounding infrastructure will meet the needs of thousands of tourists coming to the city each year.”
Cruise ships up to 850 feet long will begin sailing to and from the new terminal in 2017 and 55 vessels a year are expected. There will also be new residential housing along with restaurants and shopping venues. The new cruise terminal development will be in the heart of London and near the historic Old Royal Navy College and the legendary Cutty Sark.
Greenwich Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport cllr Danny Thorpe added:
“The council is committed to improving air quality in the borough, and recognises that this was an area of concern for local residents. I hope that it will be reassuring for residents to learn that the Mayor has submitted our measures to independent scrutiny and found them to be satisfactory.”
The new terminal facility will become the hub of London’s cruise industry and with a new complex that can cope with hundreds of passengers, it can only help the local economy. Planning permission for the new terminal first began in 2012 with different visions also being considered.
