Greenwich Market boutique hotel back on

A controversial redevelopment of Greenwich Market has been given the green light in the face of opposition from the local authority.

Local landowner, Greenwich Hospital, had its application to revamp the market and build a boutique hotel unanimously rejected by Greenwich Council’s Planning Board in 2009 but appealed the decision last year.

As part of their appeal, their application was amended to reduce the size of the hotel and retain the market’s roof and historic cobbles.

Following a public inquiry last September, an independent planning inspector recommended that the appeal be upheld and those conclusions have been backed by Local Government Secretary of State, Eric Pickles.

Work on the project, which had been enthusiastically backed by local MP, Nick Raynsford, will not begin until January 2013.

Local blog, 853, commented that the “battle for the soul of Greenwich may well have been lost”, while the Greenwich Phantom called it a “sad day for Greenwich.”

The 99 bedroom boutique hotel will be created across two buildings with the market in between. Bespoke Hotels have already been announced as operators of the new hotel.