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Camden News - by CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
Published: 10 July 2008

Hawley cuts red tape?

THE Hawley Arms – the popular Camden Town pub wrecked by fire – may have seen its fortunes reversed.
Licensee Ruth Mottram said a meeting with planners on Friday may have gone some way to cutting through the red tape which has held up its refurbishment.
The bar in Castlehaven Road has been a burnt-out shell since the Camden fire in February.
Council planners have quibbled over a staircase needed to meet new fire regulations and planned for the back of the building. If it went anywhere else, it would affect the viability of the business, she said.
Ms Mottram said: “I explained that it was important for them to understand I was not bringing a planning application out of a desire to change my building. If I could I would have rebuilt it as it was and we would be trading now.”
Ms Mottram travelled to Glastonbury last month to raise the profile of the campaign – Save the Hawley Arms – and get fans of the pub to sign their petition. She said pub owners Greene King “have been tremendously supportive and they are investing hugely in getting the building reopened.”
A Camden press officer said: “As these extensions will be there for a long time, we have to ensure that any such development not only helps the business succeed, but also protects the neighbours and is a really positive addition to Camden Town.

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