Date set for public inquiry into Shell Centre redevelopment

Last month communities secretary Eric Pickles made the surprise decision to 'call in' the Qatar-backed redevelopment plans for the Shell Centre site at Waterloo for public inquiry.

The inquiry is due to begin on Thursday 21 November and sit for a total of 12 days stretching into mid-December.

The inquiry, which will be held at the Stockwell YMCA, will be presided over by planning inspector John Braithwaite.

The key issue for the inspector is the impact of the development on the setting of the Westminster world heritage site.

UNESCO, the United Nations body which administers the designation of world heritage sites, has expressed strong concerns about high-rise development in Waterloo.

Earlier this year Lambeth Council approved the scheme for nearly 900 new homes and new office buildings.