Goldhawk Road Shops Win Major Victory

Judge rejects Council plans for demolition

The campaign to fight the redevelopment of Shepherd's Bush Market which includes the demolition of historic shops on Goldhawk Road has won a major victory in the High Court.

The Council had planned to demolish the row of shops as part of their larger scheme to redevelop the Shepherd's Bush Market area but 13 local businesses launched a legal challenge.

The scheme had envisaged moving the businesses including A. Cooke's Pie and Mash into new premises in a redeveloped market but a judge decided that the Council's case was 'procedurally flawed' after a two day hearing. In addition he noted the failure to conduct sustainability and environmental assessments. The Council were refused permission to appeal and now face a legal bill of £75,000.

The campaign's case was that the Council had failed to go through with a proper public consultation.

Aniza Meghani, of Classic Textiles, said on Facebook: "We the Goldhawk Road Traders, would like to thank firstly, to the three Angels of Shepherd's Bush, who came into our shops almost 2 years ago and informed us that we were to be demolished. They are, Coll, Kimi and Elaine. Their guidance and support has led us to where we are today."

She also praised the legal team who secured the victory.

The Council and property developer Orion will now need to go back to the drawing board with the scheme which planned to build 200 flats in the area.

Although the Goldhawk Road shops were not part of the market, they were set to be demolished

The original story was highlighted on BBC1's Inside Out on Monday, February 20 at 7.30pm, and can be watched online at the Inside Out website.

The campaigners have also launched a petition and are asking as many local people as possible to add their signatures.

May 25, 2012