Laura Sharman 10 July 2014

Pickles rejects £160m Smithfield redevelopment

Communities secretary Eric Pickles has backed the decision to refuse planning permission for the ‘wholly unacceptable’ redevelopment of Smithfield Market.

Pickles has upheld the Planning Inspector’s recommendation that the £160m proposal be denied planning permission, saying the development would be harmful to the historic development.

Pickles concluded that the proposal to demolish parts of the market buildings would be to the ‘great detriment of the surrounding area’.

He said: ‘I consider that the proposed development would not be consistent with Government policies requiring good design or in planning for conserving and enhancing the historic environment.

‘While the proposal would be consistent with some local development plan policies promoting intensification, rejuvenation and regeneration, it would not be consistent with those policies intended to protect the historic environment from harmful development, to which I give more weight.’

The decision has been welcomed by Save, who had been campaigning to protect the market interiors. SAVE’s solicitor, David Cooper, said: ‘This is an overwhelming victory for common sense. The decision follows SAVE’s argument to the letter. It places importance and significance of the Smithfield General Market interiors in their correct context and accepts SAVE’s argument that the right way of dealing with the neglected buildings is to conserve the existing fabric.’

Photo: Cedric Weber/Shutterstock.com

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner