The Garden Bridge designed by Thomas Heatherwick, promoted by Joanna Lumley and supported by the mayor of London Boris Johnson looked an unstoppable project.
It is perhaps a sad indictment of the planning system that it is only when buildings are perceived to be under threat that their architectural and historic merits come to the fore.
No one would disagree that a play area in a park open to all represents public space, but what if it is solely for the use of nearby tenants or possibly the paying public?
There are few local authorities that can claim to be as internationally important and unique in their history and location as Westminster City Council can – after all it holds the seat of government.