On 8 July 2014 ministers agreed with the planning inspector’s recommendation to refuse an application for the redevelopment of part of Smithfield Market in London.

There is a strong presumption against the grant of planning permission for development which would harm the character or appearance of a conservation area or the setting of a listed building. As heritage assets are irreplaceable, any harm should require clear and convincing justification.

Planning Minister Nick Boles said:

Heritage protection is enshrined in the National Planning Policy Framework and the benefits of the scheme were not enough to outweigh the potential harm to an area of such historic value.

Read the full decision letter.