Eric Pickles reprieve for Smithfield halls

Campaign groups are celebrating a reprieve for unused Victorian market halls at Smithfield that were due to be partially demolished to make way for new offices, shops and restaurants

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles called in the plans for a full public inquiry last night. He said he wanted to consider the extent to which the proposals are consistent with government policies, local development plans and “any other issues the inspector considers appropriate”.

Fund managers Hendersons Global Investors had approval from the City of London Corporation for its £160 million scheme to “gut” the General Market and Fish Market but groups such as SAVE Britain’s Heritage said it would be “the worst mutilation of a major Victorian building in 30 years”. Playwright Alan Bennett and actress Patricia Routledge backed their campaign.