Supersewer plans 'lack big idea' to win over opponents

Experts hired by Thames Water to analyse its supersewer project have criticised development plans at one of its most contentious sites.

The £4.1 billion Thames Tunnel project needs an access point at the King Edward Memorial Park in Shadwell, but the Design Council's Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment fears it lacks a "big idea" to win over angry residents, adding that the project's success depends on the "involvement and support" of local people.

Campaigners, who fiercely oppose the plans, fear the works will ruin the park if lorries and cranes are given access to the foreshore.

The report states: "Significant efforts will be required to help mitigate the impact of construction on the park and address the inconvenience to residents." The panel urged Thames Water to do away with hoardings blocking the river view.

Thames Water said in a statement: "Cabe and everyone else's ideas for all of our sites will be analysed as part of our phase two public consultation process. Where we are able to, we will amend our plans."