News archive

ASK bats for winning team in Oval inquiry
Posted on Jun 17 2009
News archive >> NEWS

Redevelopment of the Oval cricket ground in London has been approved following a lengthy public inquiry, in which ASK provided evidence on behalf of the developer.

The £35 million scheme, incorporating a new stand and hotel, originally caused concern because of its proximity to a gasholder station – despite the fact that the station had stood next to the cricket ground for more than a century.

Plans for the development were called in earlier this year by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on request of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

ASK was subcontracted by WSP Development & Transportation and CWA International to provide evidence on hazards arising from various potential fire scenarios. Principal Consultant at ASK, Ivan Vince, was involved in the controversial case.

“Despite its name, much of the inquiry was closed to the public at the request of HSE, because of possible security implications of the scientific and technical evidence relating to public safety,” says Ivan.

It was announced last week that the Secretary of State had accepted the Planning Inspector’s recommendation for planning permission to be granted.

“Of course, we were very pleased to hear that the redevelopment had been approved,” says Ivan. “It’s rare for the HSE's technical position to be successfully challenged.”

Sign up for the ASK newsletter and receive more updates like this.

Last changed: Jun 17 2009 at 8:43 PM