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Residents of Gainsborough Gardens (inset) holding fliers opposing the proposed development |
Neighbours do battle to protect historic views of heath
NEIGHBOURS in an exclusive Hampstead enclave are preparing to go into battle next week over a priceless view in the heart of the Hampstead conservation area.
Residents in Gainsborough Gardens are fighting a proposal by a fellow resident, Hugh Simon, to build a four-storey block of flats within a garden at the side of his property.
The building would obscure views of the Heath from inside Gainsborough Gardens – a private estate of late Victorian houses with distinctive tile-hung front gables built around a landscaped garden.
Mr Simon’s proposal was turned down by the Town Hall’s planning committee just over a year ago after they decided the building would harm views from nearby Christchurch Hill and the Heath and adversely affect light in neighbouring properties.
But on Thursday, following an appeal from Mr Simon, government planning inspectors will launch a two-day hearing into the proposal at the Town Hall, which residents have vowed to turn out in force for.
Neighbour Helen Andrews said: “It is going to be an eyesore in the heart of a conservation area of considerable architectural interest. The house was originally owned by Edmund Maurice, who worked hard on preserving the open spaces of Hampstead Heath.
“The original trustees deliberately prevented building on the plot and it would be a terrible irony if we did not fight this attempt to nibble away at the edges of the Heath.” Fellow neighbour Ellie Arnold said: “We have all got together to fight the plans.
“The property is very interesting from a historical and architectural point of view. It will go from being a really lovely interesting cottage to just another block of flats.”
Gordon Maclean from the Heath and Hampstead Society which also opposes the plans said: “It will close the gap in the development of Gainsborough Gardens which was left quite deliberately by the original architects to provide views of the Heath from inside the circle. It will also involve the removal of a rare Gingko tree which the applicants think they can do safely but I don’t think it’s that easy.
“It’s been said that around half the trees that have been transported in this way do not survive.”
The proposal is the second application by Mr Simon regarding building on the site. A previous application in 1982 was dismissed on appeal by a planning inspector who decided it would harm the appearance of the conservation area.
Three subsequent applications regarding the site were later withdrawn.
Yesterday (Wednesday), a Town Hall spokeswoman said the council would be represented by planning specialist Bethany Abrey and external historic building expert, Frank Kelall at the hearing.
Mr Simon, who is based in the Far East, will be represented by planning consultant Michael Burroughs. Mr Burroughs declined to comment on the appeal.
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