A legal challenge has been launched to halt a controversial plan to develop the derelict Jolly Boatman site opposite Hampton Court Palace.

Developer Gladedale, Network Rail and Elmbridge Council signed an agreement for the redevelopment of the site on June 17 after planning permission was granted last year.

Architect Keith Garner, from Battersea, is seeking a judicial review of the decision which would see a hotel, residential units, a new care home for the Royal Star and Garter charity and a refurbished building at Hampton Court station.

He said: “I believe that Elmbridge Council has failed to take account of the special importance of Hampton Court Palace, and failed to follow the procedures in set out Government guidance for flood protection.

“I was a consultant to Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) for 10 years from 1994 to 2004. When I was working at HRP, I was involved in its attempts to prevent the development of the Hampton Court station and Jolly Boatman sites.

“Like HRP, I believe that areas of the sites surplus to railway requirements should be acquired in the public interest and landscaped. I have done this because HRP hasn’t, somebody has to.”

Mr Garner lodged the papers in the High Court last Monday and said he had applied for a Protective Costs Order to protect against Elmbridge Council’s costs.

Lisa Foster, from solicitors Richard Buxton Environmental and Public Law, and barrister David Smith, of Landmark Chambers, are working with Mr Garner on the case.

He has set up a bank account for donations to the cause and said he cannot keep the legal challenge going without public support.

Brian Rusbridge, a coordinator of the Hampton Court Rescue Campaign, which fought against the plan, said: “If Keith Garner is successful with his application and a judicial review is granted, as we think it should be, then HCRC will be ready to submit a large volume of well researched evidence that was swept aside by Elmbridge Council when it gave planning approval for this project.”

An Elmbridge Council spokesman said: “The council has received notice that solicitors acting for Keith Garner have applied to the High Court for permission to seek judicial review of the planning permission granted for the development of Hampton Court station (the Jolly Boatman site). The permission of the court is necessary because the claim has not been lodged within six months or promptly following the issue of the consent. If the court consents to the application, the council will be defending the proceedings.”

To visit Mr Garner’s website and donate go to kgarch.co.uk/jblegal.