Consultation on hotel and homes plan near palace

Plans for 97 new homes and a hotel across the river from Hampton Court Palace are undergoing a new consultation.

A government inspector approved the proposed development next to Hampton Court railway station in 2022, after it was rejected by the borough council.

Now the applicants, Alexpo and Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd, have asked Lucy Frazer, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, for permission to go ahead with the redevelopment.

Ms Frazer's permission is needed because the South Western Railway Act 1913 requires it for any development taller than 50 feet (15m) situated within 0.5 miles (0.8km) of any part of Hampton Court Palace.

The Alexpo and Network Rail plans are for derelict land around the railway station, including a former pub called the Jolly Boatman, across the River Thames from the palace.

Along with the new homes and 84-bed hotel, new shops, public space and car parking are also proposed for the East Molesey site.

Cardinal Wolsey began the original Tudor Hampton Court Palace in the early 16th Century, but it became the home of Henry VIII.

By the 1530s, it served as a palace, a hotel, a theatre and a vast leisure complex, according to Historic Royal Palaces, the charity which is responsible for Hampton Court and five other royal palaces.

The secretary of state is asking for any information or evidence relating to the proposed development that has not already been submitted and which has emerged since planning permission was granted.

The consultation runs until 5 June.

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