At Westminster City Council's (WCC) Housing, Finance and Corporate Services Policy and Scrutiny committee meeting tonight, it was decided that the decision to dispose of public land around Temple tube station, should be referred back to Cabinet members for further discussion.  Committee members pointed out several concerns that need to be addressed including finances and the impact on the local area. 

Labour Cllr Tim Roca said that although WCC has no official stand/policy on the bridge, it seems very keen to aid the private Garden Bridge development, referring to the "Alice in Wonderland" way in which it makes decisions. 

The chair Conservative Cllr Brian Connell said it was very odd that the Cabinet Member Report dated 21/12/26 endorsed the land disposal despite the Garden Bridge project currently being under review by Dame Margaret Hodge. 

The meeting concluded with several recommendations including proper advertising of right to light issues that affect residents in adjacent apartments at Arundel Great Court,  street cleaning and most importantly, a lease condition stating that all funding should be in place before construction can begin.

We'd like to thank Committee members and WCC councillors for their due care in considering the needs of Westminster and for helping us to bring this to light.