"Smithfield was the scene of many martyrdoms - this would be another." Alan Bennett, supporter of the campaign to save Smithfield General Market
In SAVE's view the Henderson proposal for Smithfield General Market, Fish Market and Red House will be the worst mutilation of a major Victorian landmark in 30 years.
The scheme has been called ‘Butchery', by the Victorian Society and criticised by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, Islington Council, the Charterhouse, the Council for British Architecture, the Twentieth Century Society, the Ancient Monuments Society, the Heritage of London Trust, many local residents and businesses.
The loss of Smithfield General Market (leaving only stretches of three of the external walls) breaks up Europe’s finest surviving parade of market buildings. The proposal is to build yet more bland and overbearing office blocks.
There is an alternative scheme, from Urban Space Management, to bring the market back into use without any demolition. USM is one of the most experienced developers of London’s historic markets, including Camden Lock, Spitalfields and Greenwich Market. See these links for more information about their scheme, and about plans for the market by John Burrell architect:
One of London's Top Market Entrepreneurs Makes Offer on Smithfield General Market
SAVE alternative scheme for Smithfield General Market announced
More images of the site and information can be found on our Facebook page here
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
To place your objection, write a strong note of objection to the Corporation of London, addressed to
City Planning Officer Gemma Delves: [email protected]
Address: City of London, Guildhall, PO Box 270, London, EC2P 2EJ
Quote Planning application numbers:
13/00150/FULEIA, 13/00155/LBC, 13/00156/CAC
The grounds below are those of chief concern to SAVE. Feel free to cut and paste.
The proposal entails the loss of a major landmark building – the General Market - including its magnificent interior with its great market halls and roofs.
The proposal will cause substantial harm to the Smithfield conservation area and surrounding conservation areas, Grade II* listed Meat Market and Grade II listed Poultry Market including the loss of its listed canopy. There will be the loss of important views, including from the Holborn Viaduct.
The site has never been put on the open market by the City, as recommended by the Inspector following the Public Inquiry of 2007/2008 that overturned a previous application to demolish. He concluded that this was the only way to test the economic viability of a conservation led scheme for the site. This is despite the existence of such a scheme.
There is no convincing justification for loss and demolition. “Heritage assets are irreplaceable, any harm or loss should require convincing justification.” (National Planning Policy Framework paragraph 132).
The condition of the buildings, which have been deliberately neglected, is not a justification for demolition. There is evidence of deliberate neglect of the building going back over 30 years. “Where there is evidence of deliberate neglect of or damage to a heritage asset the deteriorated state of the heritage asset should not be taken into account in any decision.” (National Planning Policy Framework paragraph 130).
The application breaks up a significant group of buildings and causes substantial harm to the setting of the Grade 2 Listed Poultry Market, built in response to the Meat Market and General Market. By losing one of its points of reference, it will lose its context and its anchor in the market complex. In this case, the loss of most of the built fabric of one building (the General Market) will lead to the loss of Smithfield Market as a group of buildings. The Applicant goes so far as to claim that the 1950s Poultry Market, as well as the post-war repair at Harts Corner, weakens the architectural unity of site. This is puzzling as the Poultry Market is listed, and the Public Inspector and English Heritage both underlined their significance in the Public Inquiry.
THE CONSULTATION PERIOD ENDS THIS FRIDAY, 28TH JUNE – PLEASE MAKE YOUR OBJECTIONS BY THAT TIME. IF YOU MISS THAT DEADLINE, YOU CAN MAKE THE SAME REPRESENTATION OVER THE FOLLOWING MONTH, TO SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, ERIC PICKLES, ON [email protected]
SAVE Britain's Heritage has been campaigning for historic buildings since its formation in 1975 by a group of architects, journalists and planners. It is a strong, independent voice in conservation, free to respond rapidly to emergencies and to speak out loud for the historic built environment.
SAVE Britain's Heritage, 70 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EJ.
Registered Charity 269129
