Daniel Caspi, chairman of the Corporation of London's market committee, has voiced his concerns about the review of London markets.
Speaking to freshinfo at New Spitalfields market, he said: 'We are opposed to the potential granting of licences to New Covent Garden (NCG) to diversify into the wholesaling of meat and fish. New Spitalfields is restricted by the size of the market and we are determined that whatever is recommended for New Covent Garden is fair to all parties.' The review is a joint project of Defra, owners of NCG, and the Corporation of London, which is landlord to Smithfield and Billingsgate markets, as well as New Spitalfields. Western International and Borough are, by choice, not directly part of the process, though they will be included in the consultation.
It is a result of the government's Select Agricultural Committee's decision that the fact that Defra owns NCG is 'absurd'. Its findings and recommendations are due by the end of September.
All London markets are restricted by charter and would need government legislation to be passed in order to expand and diversify. 'We are pleased to be part of this review with Defra,' said Caspi. 'Any decisions have to made in conjunction with the government and any changes in legislation involve a lengthy process.
'New Spitalfields only has planning consent as a horticultural market with the London Borough of Waltham Forest and with the River Lea on one side and the railway and Hackney Council's playing fields flanking the market, there is no room for expansion here anyway.
'New Covent Garden already has meat and fish in the market, but we are not concerned that it is used as a distribution point for these products. Our only concern would be that the market could be granted licences to wholesale those products, it is the face-to-face selling that would cause an imbalance.' The recommendations of the review will be discussed by all parties.
