Blears puts Smithfield development in limbo

The future of Smithfield Market was back in limbo today after a scheme for its redevelopment was thrown out.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears ruled that the plans "significantly detract from the market complex as a whole" and would "dominate the historic facades and be detrimental to the character of the building".

Thornfield Properties and the City Corporation wanted to demolish buildings in Farringdon Street and partly redevelop the historic market buildings at Snow Hill and Smithfield Street.

The scheme was to provide offices in a massive flat-fronted steel and glass building designed by Heron Tower and Helter Skelter architects KPF at 43 Farringdon Street.

Shops and a market, railway improvements and car parking were also part of the plans.

But the then communities secretary Ruth Kelly decided that the plans "may conflict with national policies on important matters".

As a result, a public inquiry took place last October at which Thornfield Properties and English Heritage accused each other of dirty tricks.

The developers had originally proposed a much bigger scheme which included the demolition of more of the historic meat market. But they had to go back to the drawing board in March last year when Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell decided to list the fish market, one of the three buildings at the heart of the dispute.

The City approved the scheme in May last year despite opposition from Prince Charles, who described the Thornfield plans as "an act of vandalism". English Heritage argued at the inquiry that the rich architecture and history of the Smithfield conservation area had London-wide importance.

"The proposed replacement would introduce an alien, intensive office use into an area known for its diversity and creativity", a spokeswoman said.

The inquiry inspector agreed with English Heritage and Ms Blears accepted his recommendations.

A spokesman for Thornfield said: "We will now give careful consideration to the government decision and comments. We will then bring forward, within a short period, revised proposals that take account of them."

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