Japan scrap Olympic Stadium plans

The Japanese government have scrapped plans for a new stadium designed for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The original design by British architect Zaha Hadid has been criticised by Japanese architects for its cosmetic appearance, while estimated building costs have almost doubled to $2bn (£1.3bn).

"I have decided we must go back to the drawing board," Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters.

"We have looked at the logistics and construction period and I have made this decision because I was assured that we can definitely complete construction on time.

"We must control costs as far as possible. We are determined to draw up the best possible plan, and we have to draft that plan as quickly as possible."

A new design for the stadium is expected to be chosen within the next six months.