Call to Action as Council Planners Decide Market's Future

Objectors set to turn out in force at town hall

Campaigners have issued a call to action to Shepherd's Bush residents, asking them to turn out in force at a Planning Applications Committee meeting tonight, February 8 to voice their objection to plans to redevelop Shepherd's Bush Market.

The plans, submitted by developers Orion Shepherd's Bush have been recommended for approval, despite the opposition of many market traders and local people, and are expected to be rubber stamped by the committee at Hammersmith Town Hall.

Says Kimikawa De Castro of the group Save 30-52 Goldhawk Road from demolition: " It is important that we rally as many objectors as possible to attend this meeting and ensure our concerns are properly represented."

The agenda for the meeting, taking place in the Assembly Hall at 7pm, gives the address of the site as Shepherd's Bush Market, Peabody And Broadway Centre, Nos.1 - 14 Market Lane, Former Laundry Site Rear Of Nos.9 - 61 Pennard Road, Land Adjoining Former Shepherd's Bush Library And Nos.30 - 52 Goldhawk Road W12.

The agenda describes the application by Orion - a joint venture between Orion Land and Leisure Ltd and Development Securities plc - as follows:

The application seeks outline planning permission approval for access, layout and scale (with appearance and landscaping reserved) for the phased redevelopment of Shepherd's Bush Market, the former Spring Laundry site, the Broadway Day Centre and Peabody Trust building, and buildings at 30-52 Goldhawk Road.
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The development will comprise the demolition of all existing buildings, refurbishment and enhancement of the market, construction of up to 212 residential units including 194 flats over four blocks, 13 mews-style houses to the rear of Pennard Road properties and 5 live/work units. The new buildings will range from 2-9 storeys in height (plus basement).

Although the officer's report on the plans acknowledges receiving 114 letters from local residents, shopkeepers and traders, 113 of them objecting or raising concerns about the proposal, it recommends granting Outline Planning Permission.

However, this is not the end of the matter. Owners of the shops at 30-52 Goldhawk Road have been granted a Judicial Review of the plans to demolish the premises, which date back to the mid-19th century, on the grounds that the the council did not follow proper planning procedure. This will go to to the High Court on May 15 and 16.

Meanwhile Orion Shepherd's Bush point out that this is simply basic Outline Planning Permission and promise to keep consultint local people.

"We want to increase the size of the market, support existing businesses and introduce new ones. We aim to build on its strengths and make it one of the very best markets in London, with a wide range of new public facilities," said Richard Olsen, chairman of Orion Shepherds Bush Ltd.

"We are committed to working throughout the life of the project with all the residents, stallholders, shopkeepers, customers and visitors to find the right solution that will make the market once again the jewel in Shepherds Bush's crown."

February 8, 2012