19/04/2013
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 CABE.
The loss of Smithfield General Market (leaving no more than three stretches of external walls) breaks up a parade of major public buildings. Moreover the proposal is to build yet more bland and overbearing office blocks.
Please lend your weight to the campaign to save these buildings.
What you can do:
1. Write a strong note of objection to the Corporation of London, addressed to 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
2. Write a strong note of objection to Secretary of State Eric Pickles at [email protected]
3. Sign our on line petition appealing to Heritage Minister Ed Vaizey to list the building: follow this link
You may of course object on any grounds you like. The grounds below are those of chief concern to SAVE:
1) The proposal entails the loss of a major landmark building including its splendid market halls and roofs
2) 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
3) The buildings have never been market tested (as recommended by the Planning Inspector's Report following the Public Inquiry in 2008) and English Heritage has relied on applicant's figures claiming deficit to justify offices in place of market halls
4) There is a conservation - led scheme for the site (see attached image) backed up by a viable business plan
5) There is no convincing justification for loss and demolition. "Heritage assets are irreplaceable, any harm or loss should require convincing justification." (NPPF paragraph 132)
6) The condition of the buildings, which have been deliberately neglected, is not a justification for demolition. "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." (NPPF paragraph 130)
For more images of the site and information see our Facebook page here
Alternatively, please contact the office on [email protected] / 0207 253 3500
THE CONSULTATION PERIOD ENDS ON APRIL 30TH
NOTES TO EDITORS: 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.
Press release issued by SAVE Britain's Heritage, 70 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EJ.
Registered Charity 269129
