Conservationists have vowed to resist the redevelopment of the disused western end of Smithfield Market despite a scheme being approved by the planning committee of City of London Corporation.
Campaign group SAVE Britain’s Heritage remains fiercely opposed to the scheme and plans to appeal to the Secretary of State to call a public inquiry.
The £160 million plans by architect John McAslan for developers Henderson Global Investors include the preservation of many of the market buildings. But they would also gut them while adding three new steel and glass buildings. City planning officer Peter Rees said: “On balance, the scheme provides a development which does not cause substantial harm.”
But Fergus Henderson, founder of the nearby St John restaurant, said: “You can’t stop change but you should be able to recognise when something is extraordinary, which Smithfield Market is. This is the time to say no.”
Director of SAVE Clem Cecil said: “Residents and businesses want a scheme that safeguards the unique historic atmosphere of Smithfield.”
