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Camden New Journal - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 10 May 2007

‘Fortress’ plan is thrown out

CAMDEN council has voted unanimously to reject plans to turn the old Middlesex hospital into a “Canary Wharf-style fortress”.
Councillors threw out luxury developer Candy & Candy’s ambitions to convert the Bloomsbury building, which was bought for £175 million and lies on the border of Camden and Westminster, into a gigantic complex of shops, offices and flats.
Their observations will go before Westminster council planners who will take a final decision on the project.
Council officers recommended that councillors object to the plans, which incorporate a 300-space car park, on the grounds the design affects the conservation area and also because of the potential impact on traffic.
Bloomsbury Labour councillor Penelope Abraham urged the panel to reject the plans, adding: “The effects upon Cleveland Street are likely to be very serious. Cleveland Street is dark already.”
Lib Dem councillor for Kilburn David Abrahams asked last Thursday’s planning panel to incorporate submissions provided by the Charlotte Street Association in the council’s objections, which call into question the height of the proposed new building, and the inadequacy of the open space provided.
Teacher Malcolm Salomon, who last week presented a petition containing more than 200 names to Westminster Council, said: “I’m very pleased with Camden’s decision. No doubt they are concerned about the impact on the light. Cleveland Street will continue to suffer unless the level of the new development is brought down to the Westminster planning brief recommendations of four storeys.”

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