Controversial MSG Sphere venue approved

Plans for the UK's largest entertainment venue have been approved against objections from locals and rival operators.

The MSG Sphere will have a 21,500-person capacity, dwarfing the neighbouring Olympic Park in Stratford, east London. A planned two-hectare LED screen has rankled residents who would see its advertising from their homes up to 16 hours a day. A petition against the project received more than 2,000 signatures.

The London Legacy Development Corporation voted in favour of MSG's application last week. London Mayor Sadiq Khan still needs to give final approval to the project.

Rival venue operator AEG said a new venue should not be located so close to existing venues: "It is imperative that MSG’s proposals do not add to congestion or overcrowding in the area, including on the public transport network."

MSG expressed its pleasure over the approval.

"Throughout this process we have worked closely with a wide range of stakeholders, and are grateful for their collaboration, which is reflected in our detailed proposal."