Kickabout in the car park?

Council officers have recommended that the scheme be approved by the Development Committee, despite local opposition including 43 objections and a 73-name petition.

Powerleague operates 44 football centres across the UK, and offers a £25,000 "site-finders fee" on its website for anyone that can suggest a place for a new location. In a planning statement submitted to the council, it says there is a "significant un-met demand" for five-a-side facilities in London, with the nearest located two miles away at Mile End stadium.

Powerleague told residents in a consultation letter late last year that the facility "would be primarily aimed at providing city workers at Canary Wharf with an opportunity to organise after-work or lunchtime games with their colleagues and clients".

The pitches themselves would measure 14metres by 25metres on levels 5B and 6B, 14m by 20m on 6A, and 13m by 25m on 7A and 7B, and the site would also feature a pavilion, function room, "replacement external Louvre" and reception area.

Objections have been received on the grounds of increased anti-social behaviour, decrease in property value, increased traffic volume and use of the function room as a licensed premises.

Residents also complained of the noise and light pollution which could stem from the development due to its evening opening hours, but Tower Hamlets Council's Environmental Health department says predicted noise levels would be "well within the World Health Organisation guideline values for noise during the day and evening", and would be "unlikely" to disturb neighbours.

Officers have suggested the Development Committee grant permission with restrictions on opening hours, as well as a guarantee that 22 cycle spaces are retained and a green travel plan implemented to limit the increase in traffic.