The government has decided not to postpone an inquiry into the proposed Thames Gateway Bridge, a key part of the Thames Gateway regeneration plans. Objectors to the contentious six-lane bridge had hoped they would be given more time to put a case together. Planning inspector Robert Barker said objectors had had since January, when the inquiry was called, to prepare. The bridge will link the boroughs of Newham and Greenwich. Opposition groups say it will increase traffic levels and cause air pollution. It has since come to light that Barker used to work for Halcrow, an engineering consultancy working for Transport for London on the bridge, and so will be replaced as the lead inspector. (Guardian)