Zip line visitor attraction at The Arcelor Mittal Orbit 3 Thornton Street Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

What was proposed

The application sought a launch platform on the Orbit and a return tower in Tower Hamlets for a new zip line visitor attraction.

“The purpose of this report is to set out the Officer recommendations to Strategic Development Committee regarding an application for planning permission relating to the following proposal.”

“Cross-boundary application for detailed planning permission for the installation of launch platform to the existing ArcelorMittal Orbit structure within the London Borough of Newham and construction of a return tower within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to support a new zip line visitor attraction.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The Orbit is a 114-metre tourist and leisure structure in the Olympic Park, on Metropolitan Open Land and over designated Local Open Space.

“The application refers to the Orbit located within the Olympic Park, Stratford to the East of London Stadium. The Orbit is a structure approximately 114m in height providing a tourist/leisure attraction.”

“It is located within the former LLDC planning area. It is located on Metropolitan Open Land and would over sail designated Local Open Space. It is located within 6.2km of the Epping Forest Mitigation Zone.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning, enforcement or appeal history for the application site.

“Planning Enforcement History A search revealed there is no enforcement history relevant to the application site.”

“Planning Appeal History 10. A search revealed there is no appeal history relevant to the application site.”

Officer report

Transport and other concerns

Transport officers sought travel measures, but officers considered them unnecessary because the site has strong public transport access and no parking would be added.

“Officers acknowledge the request by LBN Transport. However, it is noted that the location does not contain any car parking. The site is in a highly sustainable location and as such it is not expected that many users or staff would be accessing the site vis private car. It is noted that any car users would need to…”

“Officers have taken into consideration the comments by TfL and the applicants response. It is noted that The Orbit is located within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park which itself has a high degree of accessibility and most visitors are expected to arrive via public transport.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The presenting officer presented the application, while officers and the applicant answered committee questions about safety, parking, employment and visitor management.

Questions and discussion

The applicant described safety checks, local employment and timed-ticket arrangements, and the discussion included wind tolerance, parking and resident discounts.

“Regarding the impact of wind on the zip wire and potential movement, the applicant stated a 12-meter corridor was allowed for wind tolerance, and there was effectively no risk of collision with structures.”

“In terms of local employment, the applicant stated they had a preference and lease obligation to employ locally, expecting to create 10-15 new jobs and safeguard existing ones at the tower • Regarding crowd control and managing increased visitor numbers and crowds, during West Ham games, the applicant explained that operations were based on pre-booked, timed tickets to avoid large queues, and close communication with LLDC for event dates and there would be increased…”

Minutes

The vote

The committee voted five in favour, one against and no abstentions on granting planning permission.

“The Chair moved to a vote on granting planning permission.”

“The voting outcome was five in favour, one against, no abstentions.”

Minutes