Plans for a huge new arena in east London covered in LED advertising screens have been given the green light despite a significant backlash from residents.

The MSG Sphere, which will be taller than Big Ben and wider than the London Eye, was granted planning permission by planning officers of the London Legacy Development Corporation, which oversees the Olympic Park, on Tuesday night.

The arena, which has been proposed by the owners of New York’s Madison Square Garden venue, bought the site in 2017 for £60m.

More than 1,000 residents expressed their opposition to the 21,500 seat arena during the planning process.

The exterior of the arena will be covered in LED panels that can display advertising, making it the world’s biggest highest-resolution screen. Its total area will be 50 times larger than the displays at Piccadilly Circus in central London.

Crossrail and Network Rail had warned that the structure may blind passing train drivers, but Network Rail has since withdrawn its objections.

Planning officers from the LLDC said the site “would provide an attractive visual backdrop for people living, working, enjoying recreational time, visiting and travelling through the metropolitan town centre”.

All elected representatives on the panel voted against the plans, according to campaign group Stop MSG Sphere.

The London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, could overrule the decision to grant planning permission.

AEG, which runs the nearby O2 Arena, heavily criticised the plans and mocked up images of what it would be like to live next to the proposed development. 

It said there was no way to assess the potential health and wellbeing effects of the sphere’s LED screens.

The local council also opposed the development, saying it would pose logistical challenges for public transport due to its proximity to the London Stadium. 

AEG has also warned about the impact on public transport of simultaneous events at both venues.

Local MP Lyn Brown branded the development as a “monstrous glowing orb” while campaigning against the site last year, claiming that the maintenance of the Olympic legacy in east London depended on it.

MSG Entertainment spokesman said: “We are pleased that the Planning Committee voted in support of our vision for MSG Sphere. 

“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. We now look forward to progressing onto the next steps in the approval process.”