Traders at New Covent Garden Market have written to Wandsworth Council, Defra and the Mayor of London to ask for an extension on the deadline to challenge the planning application for the market redevelopment.
In the letter, seen by FPJ, president of the Tenants’ Association, Peter Fowler, said that real estate experts Savills have been employed to deal with the planning objections.
He was writing following a unanimous vote of no confidence against Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) and the board, during a three-hour meeting yesterday.
“It will be tragic if this planning application is passed,” he said. “The victory we need is a victory not only for the market community but for Wandsworth and London.”
In the letter, Fowler claimed the association has not seen the evidence behind the decision to downsize the Flower Market’s trading space from 86,000 ft to 50,000 ft, despite repeated requests.
“We have requested verbally, by email, and written, the analysis and when the Board decision was made for this reduction. As of now this information has not been provided,” Fowler wrote in the letter.
Jan Lloyd, CGMA chief executive, explained to FPJ that the reduction in trading space at the Flower Market would create a smaller market to eliminate the empty spaces. “Long-term vacancies affect trading atmosphere in the market. The atmosphere will be much better,” she said.
She stressed there would be just as much room for individual companies to trade, but within a more efficient footprint.
CGMA business development director Helen Evans said letting figures for the Flower Market are down year-on-year.
The news comes at a time when traders have become increasingly vocal about their concerns over the redevelopment. Earlier this week they launched a social media campaign, including a Twitter account and the hashtag #justiceforNCG.
Lloyd added: “They have the right to object to the planning application and they have the right to have an opinion.”
For a detailed analysis of both sides of the debate, see next week's print edition of FPJ, out 22 August.
