Planning officers recommend approval for Shepherd's Bush Market plans

The proposals for the south London scheme have been put forward by a joint venture between Orion Land and Development Securities and include new homes, a new market area, cafés, restaurants and community space.

The developers consulted on their regeneration plans for the market with local residents and traders at the beginning on 2011. Using feedback from this consultation, they updated their draft proposals. The current outline proposals for the scheme include plans for 212 new homes, 65,000 square feet of new market space, 43,000 square feet of cafés and restaurants and 43,000 square feet of community space.

"We want to increase the size of the market, support existing businesses and introduce new ones. We aim to build on its strengths and make it one of the very best markets in London, with a wide range of new public facilities," said Richard Olsen, chairman of Orion Shepherds Bush Ltd. "We are committed to working throughout the life of the project with all the residents, stallholders, shopkeepers, customers and visitors to find the right solution that will make the market once again the jewel in Shepherds Bush's crown,"

In recommending approval of the application, planning officers acknowledged that affordable housing was not being provided as part of the proposals. It was considered, however, that wider regenerative benefits took precedence.

"Markets across London are experiencing something of a renaissance and Shepherds Bush Market is in need of revitalising to ensure that it is not left behind. We are pleased that Orion is now on board and look forward to the day when the market is the flourishing, vibrant and exciting place that it deserves to be," said Council leader Stephen Greenhalgh.

Hammersmith and Fulham’s planning committee will decide the application at its next meeting on the 8 February 2012.