The proposed MSG Sphere in East London has been scrapped with the late decision by Mayor Sadiq Khan to refuse planning permissions over grounds that its design causes a public nuisance to residents of the surrounding Stratford district.

The long-controversial Sphere had been derided by critics and locals alike since first being revealed in January of 2018. Myriad attempts at halting the application process had been lodged in the years leading up to Monday's decision. Populous, which has also developed its well-reviewed twin in Las Vegas, was responsible for the 21,500-capacity design proposal. 

The issue of light pollution had always been a critical factor in its pending success as a proposed entertainment venue sited in place of the 4.7-acre former coach park of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Khan’s decision cited the issue along with two other factors for the refusal, including its huge operational costs and an overall lack of green credentials for the project. Its impact on several heritage buildings and the conservation area nearby was pointed to as well.  

“The Proposed Development, due to the intensity, nature, and extent of external illumination, would cause significant light intrusion resulting in significant harm to the outlook of neighboring properties, detriment to human health, and significant harm to the general amenity enjoyed by residents of their own homes,” the Greater London Authority decision states in reference to the design's unprecedented exterior LED display.

In a press statement, Sphere Entertainment promised: “While we are disappointed in London’s decision, there are many forward-thinking cities that are eager to bring this technology to their communities. We will concentrate on those.”

The London Legacy Development Corporation, the body that oversees planning for the Park, had issued an approval for the project as late as March of last year. Communities Secretary Michael Gove will now make the final decision, though, as the BBC reported, he has indicated prior to Khan's decision that the project will likely be halted.

London's Sphere would have cost around £800 million (or $979 million USD) to construct. No proposed alternative venues or new host cities for another development have been reported at this time.