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Boris Johnson has saved a much-loved community market that was lined up to be demolished and replaced with a tower block.
The Mayor stepped in at the last minute to veto the controversial application to develop Queen's Market in Newham. Under the plans, the market would have been replaced with a 31-storey tower block and two 15-storey blocks on the site with developers St Modwen providing a new market.
Mr Johnson attacked the proposed 300ft tower as “inappropriate” and “neither attractive, or in proportion, or suited to any of the surrounding buildings, streets or the general urban realm of Newham”.
Supporters of the market said today they were stunned by their unexpected victory after a five-year campaign. Lucy Rogers, of campaign group Friends of Queen's Market, said: “I feel fantastic. We can hardly believe it. I feel in some boroughs, especially in East London, there is a brutish redevelopment agenda going on which doesn't represent what people want. We are very glad the Mayor has listened. This is exactly what he should be for.”
The decision is a rebuff for Labour-controlled Newham council, which passed the redevelopment at its planning committee last month.
A Newham spokesman said today: “These plans are vital to transform the local economy. We remain totally committed to improving this key urban centre.”
Reader views (4)
St Modwen have just pulled out of a development of Walthamstow town centre that has left a huge derelict site for nine years, on which they were given a veto by a strangely obliging Council without parting with a penny of their own cash. This wasn't mentioned in their recent annual report. Compare with the adjacent article on their share issue.
- Mdj E10, london uk, 15/05/2009 01:10
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This is great news! I'm glad Boris has listened to the campaigners and local residents. Queen's market is a treasure and vital for the diverse shopping needs of the local people. The planned development was not providing for local needs. Well done Friends of Queen's Market!
- Shilpa, London, 15/05/2009 00:10
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This is just fantastic news!
- Kevin, Upton Park, London, 15/05/2009 00:10
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Well done Boris.
- Jools, London, 15/05/2009 00:10
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