An application to renovate the front of City Hall has been given in principle planning approval — but the proposal is unlikely to ever see the light of day.

While the Development Application’s Committee approved the independent application by Simon Hodgson last week, the Corporation of Hamilton said the proposal was completely unsolicited and that they are moving forward with their own plan.

Mr Hodgson’s application, received by the Planning Department on August 20, 2013, proposed removing the driveway in front of City Hall, replacing it with a pedestrian-only ramp leading to the building’s entrance.

The application also included four “reflecting pools” and a grassy public plaza.

The Corporation was contacted by the department about the application, and responded that it was redundant and shouldn’t be processed.

In a letter sent to the Committee, City Engineer Patrick Cooper said: “This proposal is an unsolicited application produced without the consultation of the Corporation.

“There are a number of good elements that are contained within this proposal, but the Corporation will not be progressing this design.”

The Corporation itself last year sought and received planning permission to redevelop the front of the building with an entirely different design.