Camden News
Publications by New Journal Enterprises
spacer
  Home Archive Competition Jobs Tickets Accommodation Dating Contact us
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
By SUNITA RAPPAI
 

The proposed development
New house design 'unsympathetic'

PLANS to demolish one of the houses on Keats Grove – where poet John Keats lived between 1818 and 1820 and which is part of the Hampstead conservation area – and erect a modern glass and render three-storey building in its place are causing concern amongst conservationists.
The application by Steven Bobasch, a merchant banker from East Heath Road, Hampstead, proposes to knock down a two-storey detached house in Keats Grove and erect a bigger one in its place.
Neighbours include actress Janet Suzman, and next door was the home to Lord Herbert Asquith, the Liberal prime minister, the house was originally owned by Mr Bobasch’s mother.
The new four-bedroom house will be finished with the second floor clad with either lead or zinc. Planning officers have recommended that the plans get the go-ahead, arguing that the existing house, dating from the 1940s, “is not identified as making a positive contribution to the conservation area”.
And another neighbour, who did not want to be named, added: “You can either build a neo-Georgian building or a modern house. Times have to move on. It is a good piece of architecture and we are all for it.”
But Martin Humphery from the Hampstead conservation area advisory committee (Caac) called the new design “unsympathetic” to the area.
He said: “We have no objection to the demolition. However we consider this proposal to be obtrusive and unsympathetic in its choice of materials.”
Architect Richard Webb revealed he asked the advice of Lady Patricia Hopkins, as patron of the Heath and Hampstead Society, who, with her husband Michael, designed a glass-fronted home in nearby Downshire Hill and had been influenced by Erno Goldfinger’s home in Willow Road, around the corner from Keats Grove.
He said: “Hampstead is an easier place to build new homes than elsewhere as it is already a mixture of different styles from different eras. The current house is of a low standard.”
The proposal is due to be heard by planning chiefs at the Town Hall today (Thursday).
 
spacer














spacer


Theatre Music
Arts & Events Attractions
spacer
 
 


  up