Smithfield market to be listed building

A battle between conservationists and developers over parts of London's historic Smithfield meat market intensified today after it emerged the buildings are set to receive listed status.

Plans by the Culture Department to preserve the site have delighted campaigners, led by Prince Charles, who want the area to be refurbished for the local community.

But developer Thornfield, which wants to transform it into offices and a new 100,000 sq ft "urban market hall", is said to be furious at the move and is considering taking the matter to judicial review.

The Government ' s announcement has been delayed while its own lawyers ensure that any legal challenge is likely to fail. The Thornfield plans are for buildings which have stood empty for decades and would not directly affect the current meat market in the short term.

However, objectors are concerned that the loss of any of the historic buildings would be the thin end of a redevelopment wedge.

Thornfield director Mike Capocci said: "This end of Smithfield market is crying out for a sympathetic and functional redevelopment."

But Adam Wilkinson, of Save Britain's Heritage, said: "The current plans are completely at odds with the low horizons and historic character of the area which make it such a great place."