Two weeks ago the Spitalfields Trust campaign to halt British Land’s destruction of Norton Folgate went to a judicial review in the High Court.
Today I learnt of the Judge’s verdict… Justice Gilbart found in favour of Boris Johnson, the former Mayor of London.
A sad day for an historic part of London which will no doubt be changed beyond all recognition and become overshadowed by monoliths of glass and steel.
It does not seem right to me that one person can unilaterally override the wishes and views of two democratically elected councils, the local community whose lives will be changed forever and the hundreds of other interested people who have taken the time and trouble to let their views be known. It seems equally strange to me that the judiciary could have made such a judgement based upon the evidence submitted to the hearing.
Norton Folgate as I know and love it will be changed for ever and will stand as a memorial to the ill considered action of Boris and the power of capitalism over democracy.
I don’t know what can be done now if anything, but I intend to write to Boris’s successor, to ask him whether he is prepared to reverse the decisions made which have signed Norton Folgate’s death warrant.
Away from the Drawing Board 
A real, real shame and yes, it just doesn’t make sense. Do write to Sadiq Khan. You never know, he may overturn the ruling. Good luck! x
But at least there is a NEW Mayor to whom you can send your appeal.
Perhaps Sadiq Khan, now in the very first days of his mayoral term, can think afresh, about the matter.
Don’t give up, Anne. As Nan Quick and The Lady Travels say, Sadiq Khan may well give you a sympathetic hearing. His ideas for London are quite different from Mr Johnson’s. Good luck with it all. Elaine
I didn’t know about this, it stinks, surely the city doesn’t need any more over priced apartments or office blocks.
I was sorry to hear the result of the review and think that all those people who fought hard for Norton Folgate are to be congratulated for their efforts. Shame on Boris for not supporting democracy. I assume that the business rates will potentially be greater than the existing properties.
If you fight on I wish you much luck and hope you get support from the new mayor.
After everyone’s hard work put into the campaign, the outcome is sad. Good to see that you are still not taking it lying down and your next step is to appeal to the new Mayor Mr Sadiq Khan. Let’s hope this proves more successful. .
Wondered through this beautiful area for the first time only a year or so ago. And this is the first I’ve heard of this news! Truly awful.
Thanks for your comment…yes it’s a wonderful area which would be sadly missed! Latest update!!! The Spitalfields Trust plan to appeal the decision so fight is still on!!!
I live at the top of elder street and am delighted this eyesore is goings-on be developed.Where may I ask do up live ?
i do not live in London and would agree that the buildings do not look attractive at the moment. However where I live is irrelevant. What is relevant is that the development proposals put forward by British Land would destroy the heritage of this area, pay lip service to its history by tacking on false facades (witness the London Fruit and Wool Exchange in Brushfield Street around the corner) and block out light to these streets due to their size and scale.
More sensitive plans exist for Norton Folgate which would if approved seek to retain the areas history, improve the current buildings and provide much need accommodation for local people and local businesses.
Furthermore the way in which this development has been handled,is as I point out, also a flagrant disregard for the democratic processes of this country.
Beautiful blog Anne.. I loved reading about the Green Parrots which seem to be everywhere along the Thames path,
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