New mayor strikes a deal over beckton water plant

By John Hill on May 15, 2008 9:00 AM |

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NEW London Mayor Boris Johnson has dropped a high court challenge against a £200million water plant near Beckton.

The incoming Mayor cut a deal with Thames Water to remove the legal action filed by his predecessor in exchange for pledges to reduce the impact of its roadworks in the capital.

The challenge against the plant in Jenkins Lane in Barking was due to be heard in the High Court this week.
Ken Livingstone filed the action last year, describing the Government’s approval of the plant in July as “a step backwards in the battle against climate change”.

But the new man has taken a different view, arguing the drought-busting plant will provide 140million litres of drinking water a day for the ballooning London population by taking water from the north bank of the Thames.

Work has already begun on the facility, which will be completed by late 2009 and will supply up to 400,000 people.

A spokesman for the Mayor confirmed Mr Johnson and his advisors had indicated they would remove the challenge in exchange for certain promises.

Mr Johnson called the agreement “a good deal for Londoners” and an example of a “collaborative approach” to solving issues.

He said: “By working in partnership with Thames Water I have secured important concessions – including on pledges I have made to Londoners during my election campaign – that wouldn’t have been achieved if this action had gone ahead.”

Thames Water has now committed to work on scaling back the impact of its roadworks, and set up pilot projects to look at different ways of working on the city’s Victorian pipes.

It has assured Mr Johnson the plant will be entirely powered by renewable fuel.

As much as 915million litres of purified water is lost through leaks in the capital each year, leading former Mayor Livingstone to describe the plant as “akin to pouring water into a sieve”.

But Thames Water CEO David Owens described the withdrawal of the challenge as “a victory for common sense” due to the threat of drought in London.

He said: “The desalination plant is a vital part of our response to this situation, and we are committed to getting it built as quickly as possible.
“We are encouraged that the Mayor has dealt with this issue so early in his time in office, and hope to enjoy as productive a relationship with him as we did his predecessor.”