Statement from the North & East London Branch of the Inland Waterways Association regarding the Planning Application by Starbucks for a change of use of the existing Canal Information Centre at the Lock Keepers Cottage 289 Camden High Street. London NW1 7BXThe Inland Waterways Association is opposed to the current proposals outlined in the Camden Planning Application 2012/1674/P .The Government has recently proposed the Waterways be run by a ‘Big Society’ Trust. Its aim in doing this is to allow the general public to play a more active role in maintain and promoting the benefits of the waterways to the wider community. It is wrong that, just at the time when the Canals need a more open ‘window’ for the public to easily obtain more information about them, Starbucks seek to take away the sole Canal Information facility in London, by degrading it to an ancillary feature within a heritage building that effectively becomes a mixed use retail and coffee shop. The Lock Keepers Cottage is an iconic heritage building that, since its construction, has always been a key element in the canal landscape. To take away those last vestiges of its heritage and past , by downgrading its status as a Canal Information Centre , poses a major loss to the public amenity of the Camden waterside. The planning submission, as it currently stands, is unacceptable to those who love the waterways and seek to promote them for wider public use. Roger Squires. Hon Secretary, North & East London Branch, Inland Waterways Association. 2nd May 2012 |