Proposals put forward by developer Gladedale include the redevelopment of Hampton Court Station and 46-bedroom Jolly Boatman hotel.

A 61-bedroom care home, retail units and residential development and the creation of new public spaces are also planned at the site.

The project, designed by Quinlan and Francis Terry Architects, was originally passed by EBC planners on 26 November, but was put before an EGM of the full council on 18 December following opposition from some councillors and heritage organisations.

Historian David Starkey said: "Hampton Court is one of the three most important palace complexes to have survived in Europe. It is surrounded by a unique and magical landscape. Anything that gratuitously damages it isn't a national scandal but an international scandal."

The heritage charity, Historic Royal Palaces, had appealed to the government to call in the plans, but communities secretary, Hazel Blears, decided that the planning application could be dealt with by EBC.

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