EXAMPLES OF RECENT APPLICATIONS



Rosemary Works - July 2011 Description of the plan: Demolition of existing 2-storey buildings. Erection of 3 blocks, rising from 4 to 7 storeys, containing 52 dwellings and up to 8 commercial units, plus 3 residential moorings. Reaction from canal supporters: Disappointment at loss of quirky industrial buildings that made the canal feel special. Widespread dislike for the loud, intrusive design. Criterion Comments Public accessibility Interaction with the canal Loss of sky or open space Yes Harm to character of the area Yes. Impact of change of use Loss of workshops and live-work units. Buffer between buildings and the canal Loss or gain of amenity Several workshops were destroyed and the occupants were evicted. Loss of affordable mooring The 3 residential moorings are unlikely to be affordable. Harm to navigation Loss of heritage Yes. Use of the Canal during Construction No. A missed opportunity. Former Stables at City Road Lock - January 2012 Description of the plan: Change of use of former canal side storage building to use as a café. Alternations to Western part, in volving raising roof, new fenestration, timber cladding. Reaction from canal supporters: This was initially unpopular because these buildings had been earmarked as a possible community base for organising "Big Society" undertaknigs. The timber cladding and large windows were deemed too contemporary for the Conservation Area. The application was withdrawn and the plans were rewritten. Criterion Comments Public accessibility Good Interaction with the canal Loss of sky or open space No Harm to character of the area Yes Impact of change of use Buffer between buildings and the canal Loss or gain of amenity Loss of a community base, but gain of a café. Loss of affordable mooring Harm to navigation Loss of heritage Yes Use of the Canal during Construction Lock Keeper's Cottage, Camden - April 2012 Description of the plan: Change of use from Canal Information Centre/Café (Sui Generis) to mixed use of retail and coffee shop with ancillary Canal Information Centre. Reaction from canal supporters: Widespread concern that a multi-national had squeezed out a community resource and that a S106 agreement had been flaunted. The application was withdrawn and the plans were altered to create a dedicated area for the information centre. Criterion Comments Public accessibility Interaction with the canal Net loss. Loss of sky or open space Harm to character of the area Yes Impact of change of use Over-commercialisation. Buffer between buildings and the canal Loss or gain of amenity Permanent loss of canal information centre. Loss of affordable mooring Harm to navigation Loss of heritage Use of the Canal during Construction Holborn Studios - February 2013 Description of the plan: Demolition of existing buildings. Erection of mixed use building to provide offices, restaurant, and 82 dwellings. Reaction from canal supporters: Widespread anger at the idea of destroying such an iconic structure and disapproval of the proposed replacement buildings that were considered boring. Criterion Comments Public accessibility OK Interaction with the canal Loss of sky or open space Yes Harm to character of the area Yes Impact of change of use Loss of major sources of local employment and centre of excellence. Buffer between buildings and the canal Loss or gain of amenity Yes Loss of affordable mooring Harm to navigation Loss of heritage Yes Use of the Canal during Construction Unknown Bow Wharf - April 2013 Description of the plan: Demolition of existing single-storey buildings. Erection of 3 blocks, rising from 4 to 6 storeys, providing 34 dwellings and a café. Reaction from canal supporters: The fiercest resistance came from walkers rather than boaters, because this is a popular open space in a green corridor. General feeling that the proposed buildings are inappropriate. Criterion Comments Public accessibility No change. Interaction with the canal Loss of sky or open space Yes. Harm to character of the area Yes. Impact of change of use Claustrophic environment. Buffer between buildings and the canal No. The buildings are very intrusive,. Loss or gain of amenity Loss of affordable mooring Harm to navigation No change. Loss of heritage Yes. Use of the Canal during Construction Unknown.





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