A decision on the controversial plan to build the MSG Sphere, a massive entertainment venue in Stratford, has been delayed with a planning decision now expected in the first half of 2022.

A spokesperson for the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) told Newham Voices it was now hoped that a decision would be taken certainly “before the May council elections”.

After three public consultations and the broken promise of a decision before the end of 2021, the latest delay adds to concerns already expressed by residents and groups over the Sphere which will consist of a music venue holding up to 21,500 people and a nightclub, restaurants, and bars.

Besides adding to the flow of people through one of Britain’s busiest transport hubs, the building will be a distinctive feature on the skyline with an outer ‘skin’ of shining light displays for advertising and videos.

An initial decision date had been set for September last year but this was pushed back until the end of the year. Now the LLDC says no decision will be taken until “the New Year” but no planning committee date had been fixed as we went to press.

The plans have ignited opposition from Newham Council, residents’ groups and local MP Lyn Brown and this will be one of the last major planning decisions taken by the LLDC which took over responsibility for development in the area at the time of the Olympic Games in 2021.

The Corporation is due to hand back control of the Olympic Park area to the London Borough of Newham during 2022.

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