Campaigners fighting a proposed hotel development next to Hampton Court Palace have been celebrating after the council granted permission for their alternative park scheme.


The Hampton Court Rescue Campaign (HCRC) said its planned riverside space on the site of the old Jolly Boatman pub would retain the stunning views of the palace.


Elmbridge Council’s planning department made a delegated decision to approve the proposals on Friday, August 24.


However, HCRC said the public park would not become a reality unless developer Gladedale failed to comply with its obligation to build a four-storey 46 hotel, along with 66 new houses and a care home.


Architect Keith Garner, who lost a High Court bid to block Gladedale’s controversial plans last year, submitted the application with Andrew Roberts for an open green space by the river. 


He said: “It is clear from the amazing response to Andrew Roberts' application that local people want the Jolly Boatman site to become a public park. 


“In granting us planning permission, Elmbridge Council has now opened the way for this to happen and we are all very pleased about this.”