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Planners back store at antiques arcade
Fears for Camden Passage as traders claim red carpet is being rolled out for multiples
EVICTED antiques traders have failed in a bid to prevent planners granting retrospective permission for a furniture chain store which they claim will “ruin” the unique character of world-famous Camden Passage.
Islington Council’s south area planning committee heard on Tuesday that Lombok furniture had acquired the three-storey Angel Antique Arcade last summer, resulting in the eviction of 25 traders.
Work on renovating the building began early last month – more than a month before the committee was due to give its decision on plans to alter the arcade. The store is expected to open next month.
Lib Dem committee chairman Councillor George Allen said that, because of the legal position, the committee was duty bound to support the application. Only Labour councillor Martin Klute voted against the plans.
Evicted trader Graham Thurston was disappointed with the planners’ decision. He told the committee he had worked in Camden Passage for 28 years but feared for its future as a leading international antiques centre.
“I’m considering whether or not to take the decision to the ombudsman,” he said after the meeting. “This meeting has been a complete waste of time for me and my colleagues. I don’t know why they bothered having it.”
The committee heard that Lombok, which did not have a representative at the meeting, had removed the original shop front and the arcade’s internal units.
Mr Thurston added: “I don’t blame the councillors for voting in the way they did. They have to go on an officer’s recommendations.”
Antique lighting trader Janet Holdstock, another former tenant of the arcade, said that when she rented basement space she was told she could only use it for storage. “But it seems Lombok can do anything they like,” she added.
Camden Passage’s “jewel in the crown”, The Mall, is the latest antiques emporium to be lined up for possible conversion into a retail store. Up to 40 traders are serving a four-month notice to quit.
Traders estimate the market has lost 200 small shops and outlets in the past eight years, involving hundreds of jobs. The toll includes York Arcade, the Gateway Arcade (now Foxtons estate agent), the Central Gallery (now an empty shop), and the Georgian Village, which has become a clothing store.
Campaigner Yvette Pathare, from Pierrepoint Row, who launched a 100-signature petition to save Camden Passage last year, has voiced concern about its future.
Ms Pathare, who attended Tuesday’s meeting, said: “The council are rolling out the red carpet for big business like multiple chain stores who can come in and take over.
“It’s not just traders who are worried. We get visitors from America, Europe and other parts of the world who fear we may lose this special area.” |
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