Plans to turn Kingston’s historic Market House into a posh pizza restaurant have been scrapped after an upmarket chain withdrew its application.

The Stable, an up-and-coming pizza, pie and cider chain, was granted a license to sell alcohol by Kingston Council at the venue in August, with the view to submitting conversion plans later this year.

But rumours circulated that the plans had been withdrawn over the weekend, with a Kingston Council spokeswoman confirming today that the chain has pulled out.

Saturday, March 12: Petition to stop Market House being turned into pizza chain supported by more than 2,000 people

Wednesday, August 3: 'It's not a Pizza Express with a pub': The Stable battles Kingston Council over Market House pizza restaurant plan

Monday, August 8: Kingston's Market House closer to becoming upmarket restaurant after posh pizza chain is granted alcohol licence

The plans had been met with fierce protests from current traders in the Market House and residents, with a petition gathering more than 15,000 signatures.

Kingston Council leader Kevin Davis acknowledged earlier this year that the Market House was important to the community but said it had “struggled” for some years as an attraction and business base.

The council had hoped for a significantly higher rental income – up to £150,000 – than it currently receives for the building, this website revealed a year ago.