The campaign for a judicial review of the Enderby Wharf planning decision has ended in defeat, after the High Court ruled in favour of Greenwich Council.

Last year the council’s planning board approved permission for an international cruise liner on the Thames, as well as the 770-home development.

Earlier this year an anonymous east Greenwich resident launched legal action against that decision, arguing that the council had not carried out adequate assessment into the pollution from the development.

But after hearing evidence during the two-day hearing last month, the judge Mr Justice Collins has today dismissed the claim.

He said: “The redevelopment of Enderby Wharf to provide a terminal for cruise liners has been considered desirable by the defendant, by the Greater London Authority and by the Port of London Authority for some time.

“Further, this development will provide housing and will attract tourists and so help the local economy.”

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Residents from Greenwich and Tower Hamlets who watched the proceedings at the High Court.

During the hearing Jenny Wigley, for the claimant, claimed there had been a “catalogue of errors” by the council and the former London Mayor’s office in the research conducted into potential pollution from the development.

The court heard that an air quality expert adviser for the previous London Mayor Boris Johnson had agreed the emissions from mid-size hoteling ships were equivalent to that of 688 permanently idling HGVs.

However Thomas Hill QC, representing Greenwich Council, said there was “very little opposition” to the Enderby Wharf development and no objections based on air quality when it was first considered by the planning board in 2012.

Greenwich Council has welcomed today’s decision, saying the development will create jobs and boost tourism in the borough.

Councillor Danny Thorpe, deputy leader of the council, said: “The council has followed due process relating to this planning application at all times, including seeking independent reports on specific technical areas such as air quality. Our decision was endorsed by the Mayor of London.

“At the time of the planning decision in 2015, the Mayor of London’s office confirmed that they were satisfied with measures put in place by the Royal Borough to ensure robust monitoring of air quality associated with the development, with nearly half a million pounds being committed towards monitoring and improving air quality."

He added: “The council understands that a number of local people feel passionately about Enderby Wharf.

“We have always sought to listen to their opinions at all times and will now ensure that the conditions and obligations put in place by the planning board are honoured by the developer.”