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Sir Andrew Motion |
‘Ruination’: Former Poet Laureate fights new flats
FORMER Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion has appealed to planning chiefs to use “good sense” and throw out proposals for a five-storey luxury housing block in Camden Town.
Sir Andrew, who was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours last week, said he “deplored” designs for the building in St Augustine’s Road.
Town Hall officials have recommended the application for approval by planning committee councillors at a meeting tonight (Thursday).
The building would have nine flats with car parking, bicycle and refuse stores and landscaping.
Sir Andrew said: “Its scale is completely unsuited to the street, and will damage irreparably the look and feel of the vicinity.
“Furthermore, the proposed scale will increase the population of the area in ways that will have serious consequences for the provision of amenities.
“You don’t have to be an expert in anything to see this, you just have to use your eyes and good sense. I most sincerely hope that the authorities will use theirs, and prevent the ruination of this part of Camden.”
David Simmons, who lives opposite the proposed development, added: “This is a domineering building in a conservation area. If this goes through, what does it do for future developments in conservation areas?”
Around 60 residents have objected to the plans on a disused railway yard created when the track was widened in 1898.
Camden Square Neighbourhood Association has also opposed the “monster of mass”, designed by Damsonetti UK Ltd.
Company director Libor Krejcie told the New Journal: “Camden (council) is happy with the designs. They told us they did not want a classically designed building, but a contemporary one.
“They want it to head the crossroads. It is an unusual building – but most people in the street are happy with it.” |
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