Mayor of London Boris Johnson has branded Hammersmith & Fulham council’s decision to backtrack on town hall makeover plans as “common sense”.
The council decided to withdraw its approval application of the £110m Kings Street town hall redevelopment by Grainger and Helical in the face of mass opposition.
It made the decision on the same evening as Johnson was due to announce whether he would let the scheme go ahead.
Johnson today said: “It is clear that this proposal caused much anger in the community and I am glad that common sense has prevailed. We have to protect historic buildings, precious green space and the views of our great city and I am sure the council’s decision will be welcomed in Hammersmith and beyond.”
The plans included 290 homes, shops, restaurants and a new public square.
Campaign group Save our Skyline was concerned about the scale and size of the development, and particularly opposed to the demolition of housing and a cinema, as well as the impact on two nearby conservation areas and views from the river.
Earlier this week the group protested outside City Hall, urging Johnson to intervene, following the council’s approval of the project this month.
joanna.bourke@estatesgazette.com
