Fresh Row over Hampton Court Views

4.18.12pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 7th Jul 2008

The long standing battle over a proposed commercial development at Hampton Court station has been taken to a new stage with a fresh, revised, set of proposals from the developer, Gladedale. The development is being strongly opposed by the Hampton Court Palace authorities who believe that a large, ugly, commercial development on the opposite side of the river will compromise the views around the palace. Vincent Cable, MP, is to support the palace by asking the Secretary of State to "call in" the proposal before it is considered by Elmbridge Council, on the grounds that is of national, not just local, interest.

Vincent Cable said: "the development involves a large over bearing structure on the riverside on the Jolly Boatman site and it is this which so concerns the palace and local amenity societies. Although much of the project is uncontroversial, including a new Star and Garter care home, the developers are installing a very expensive underground car park which is being paid for by means of a big concentration of flats and a hotel at the front of the site where it matters. I fully support the palace in its efforts to preserve one of our main national treasures against the pressures of overdevelopment".