WORK to redevelop Shepherd's Bush Market could begin next year after the controversial plans were given the go-ahead.

The council's planning committee granted outline approval for developer Orion Shepherd's Bush Limited (OSBL) to push forward with their plans to spruce up the 98-year-old site.

It will include 194 luxury apartments built above the market, a new row of 13 terraced houses, several new market squares and temporary trading space and is hoped to bring in around £3.2m of extra revenue per year.

But a row of historic businesses on Goldhawk Road will be demolished and relocated in new shops set back from the road as part of a new market entrance.

Shop owners on the stretch are taking their fight to stay put to the High Court in May, challenging the council's consultation, and they turned out in force at the meeting last night to show their solidarity in objecting.

But they were left disappointed as councillors rubber-stamped the crucial first stage of the planning process.

Aniza Meghani, owner of Classic Textiles, said: “The community was never in the heart of the council. Private homes were more of a priority.

“All of the meeting was a farce. But that's how this council is, we should have known better.”

Cookes Pie and Mash, who date back to 1913, tweeted: “Outline planning permission granted. More lies told by the council working hand in hand with the developers. We will keep fighting.”

OSBL insist any development would be phased so that the market can stay open and that they will fix rent levels for the first three years.

Richard Olsen, OSBL chairman, said: “We're very pleased with the outcome. It's good news for the market and the area. The proposals will see the market regenerated and enhanced by introducing much needed investment and positioning it at the heart of the new high-quality mixed-use scheme.”

Councillor Stephen Greenhalgh, council leader, said: “There is very little doubt that Shepherd's Bush Market needs significant improvement if it is to survive.”

OSBL will now begin drawing up detailed plans for the regeneration with a view of submitting a further planning application and starting work in summer 2013.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE PLANS? Email gregburns@trinitysouth.co.uk or tweet me @greg82burns.