Hampton Court Place development appeal fails

The site opposite the Tudor palace has been derelict for two decades

A challenge to plans for a hotel and flats on a derelict site on the opposite side of the Thames from Hampton Court Palace has failed.

The Court of Appeal has ruled that the setting was given proper consideration when the development was approved by Elmbridge Borough Council in 2008.

The scheme is planned for the Jolly Boatman site and land surrounding Hampton Court railway station.

The judgement upheld a High Court ruling delivered in January.

The development by Gladedale Group Ltd and Network Rail includes a refurbished railway station, 66 new homes, retail and commercial units, a 46-bedroom hotel and a care home.

Keith Garner, an architect and former employee of Historic Royal Palaces, which looks after Hampton Court, lodged the appeal as part of a long-running attempt to block the scheme.

Leader of Elmbridge council John O'Reilly said: "We are pleased that, yet again, the decision of democratically elected councillors to approve development of this important site has been tested and found to be robust.

"The three Court of Appeal judges were unanimous and emphatic in their decision to reject all the rounds of appeal.

"My one regret is that a large amount of our residents' money has had to be spent in defending a planning decision that was only taken after appropriate consultation, careful assessment and proper consideration."