AN OLYMPIC borough council has given its support to plans for a controversial Olympic landmark, but stopped short of backing it unconditionally due to a number of concerns.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit could be built next door to the Olympic site in Stratford and would be visible across much of Wanstead.

A report recommending the construction of the tower went before Newham Council's Strategic Development Committee last night.

Newham councillors agreed to support the application, but said they would not be fully satisfied until a number of issues were resolved.

They say there is not enough parking provided in the plans for coaches and disabled drivers, and are concerned that they have not been given full details of any landscaping work that will have to take place or how it will impact on the legacy of the venues in the Olympics park.

The committee also said they were concerned that the ODA – which is in effect its own planning authority when it comes to deciding on the plans – had significantly underestimated just how many people would visit the structure during the Games and beyond.

Kevin Mansell, 62, who lives near Wanstead Flats, said: “The committee gave their support to the plans, but did did have a number of reservations about this.

“The main one was access, as they're worried about the fact that after the games the Orbit will be rather in the way when people are travelling to the Olympic stadium and the Aquatics Centre, which they hope will be taken on by someone after the games.

“Not much was said about the commissioning of the design, but apparently Newham Council knew nothing about it until they were invited to Boris' launch.”

The controversial design – by Turner Prize-winning artist Anish Kapoor – has been divided opinion among residents. Mr Mansell has set up an online petition which has been signed 22 times since it went live on Monday (July 19).

Comments on the petition reflect the different issues people have with the project. One signatory, Kate Stillard, said: “It is ugly, it lacks any real form and represents little more than the mangled wreck of a crane.

“London has a colourful history and I am sure that there is the talent to develop something more appropriate, that enhances rather than blots the skyline.”

Other people opted to express their concerns rather more concisely, such as Matthew Herman, who said: “Is this a wind-up?”.

Aside from their aesthetic objections, many residents have also cried foul about the very private way the design for the tower was chosen, and how much power the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has to approve its own proposal.

Earlier this month the Guardian reported that the 115-metre tower could interfere with television signals across parts of Wanstead and South Woodford, meaning some residents could have to fork out for a new aerial.

The ODA will meet to finally decide whether the Orbit is built on August 24.