First day of Smithfield market battle kicks off
The battle over the future of Smithfield begun in earnest today as the developers Henderson and the opponents SAVE gathered in a crowded room above the Guildhall art gallery for the first day of the public inquiry.
The 12-day trial begun with all sides, including City of London Corporation and the Greater London Authority giving their opening remarks.
But before that could happen a squabble kicked off over whether SAVE could bring in new evidence from a rival developer Cathedral Group, which has done its own report backing SAVE’s argument that it is viable to keep all of the Victorian architecture.
Henderson wants to retain around 75 per cent of the original general market and fish market building and argues that this is the most viable option.
However SAVE has described Henderson’s plans as “the worst mutilation of a Victorian landmark in 30 years” and has submitted an alternative plan that would preserve all of the architecture.
The developer’s barrister Christopher Katkowski QC – known to everyone in the planning world as Kit Kat – objected, saying it was far too late for SAVE to be bringing new evidence at this stage and that it showed “absolute contempt for the rules”.
There was further confusion as no one – including the inspector – seems to have seen this statement by Cathedral or knows exactly what it says.
In the end, the inspector Colin Ball, who is leading the inquiry on behalf of communities secretary Eric Pickles, ruled out SAVE using Cathedral’s chief executive Richard Upton as a witness, but agreed that he could stand in as a third party witness or could submit a statement.
In another twist, SAVE has submitted a last-ditch attempt to have the general market listed, submitted an application just hours before the inquiry.
Rather awkwardly the listing application must be made to English Heritage, which has come out in favour of Henderson’s scheme.
Full program for the public inquiry.