Two controversial commercial developments have been delayed following the intervention of Communities Secretary Eric Pickles. In a dramatic move the minister has called in plans to redevelop Smithfield Market and the Shell Centre. Both proposals must now face public inquires.
Smithfield Market
Henderson Global Investors’ plans to redevelop the historic Smithfield Market site have faced vociferous opposition from Save Britain’s Heritage (Save). The conservation group has argued that the development of a five storey office building will cause irreparable damage to the fabric of the Victorian market halls.
In response the developers claim that their proposal, which will retain much of the original façade, is the only viable option for the site. The plans were given the go-ahead by the City of London Corporation in July but Pickles intervention now takes the matter out of the corporation’s hands.
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has said that the plans were called in because the issue has ‘more than local importance.’
“Consideration will now be given to whether the proposed development is consistent with government planning policy with regards to conservation and historic buildings,” a spokesman said.
Henderson’s has issued a statement reiterating that their scheme will bring the historic buildings back to life with a combination of ‘long-term sustainable redevelopment, restoration and retention.’
In a second surprising move Pickles has halted the redevelopment of the Shell Centre on the South Bank. Work on this scheme was due to commence this year after the plans were approved by Lambeth Council and London Mayor Boris Johnson.
The proposal, from Braeburn Estates, Canary Wharf Group and Qatari Diar, features six tower blocks providing office space, retail units and residential accommodation. This scheme has faced opposition from conservationists due to the impact it will have on the Westminster World Heritage site.
Both projects now face lengthy delays creating doubt for the developers, architects and construction firms involved.
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