To: Gareth Barnett, case officer, Hackney Planning
Dear Gareth,
I am writing on behalf of the Friends of Regent's Canal to object to planning application 2018/3517.
From the canal's perspective this scheme offers no obvious benefits. Although the existing buildings are quite unattractive compared to the previous structures on that site, they help to sustain a feeling of seclusion along this stretch of the canal. One of the attractions of passing through locks like Sturt's Lock on a narrowboat is that it provides an escape from the crowds and bustle and this would be lost forever if the south side were converted into a multi-storey viewing gallery.
The Planning Statement (paragraph 6.171) claims that a cafe fronting onto the canal will help improve the vitality of the area. Some supporters of this idea are missing the point because the best way to revitalise the canal is to encourage more moving boats rather than to add to pedestrian congestion at locks.
I am concerned about paragraph 3.3 of the Design and Access Statement: "Locals and pedestrians often sit and climb amongst the lock, and we encourage their informal social interactions by placing an architecture and use that will add to the playfulness of this point". This is quite irresponsible because locks can be hazardous places and should be off limits to anyone not involved with their safe operation.
The proposed buildings are far too high, they are too close to the water's edge and the balconies are intrusive. It is odd that the height is stepped up towards the canal (see paragraph 6.81 of the Planning Statement) in defiance of the Blue Ribbon Policies of the London Plan. Instead of helping to mark the site of the lock this scheme will dominate and undermine this heritage asset.
The precinct area might look good in the sketches and plans but this is a north facing site. Similar precincts at Gainsborough Studios and City Road Basin Plaza have failed to attract visitors, whereas south facing sites like Granary Square and the towpath side of City Road Lock have proved to be popular. I am unsure of the need for public access on the offside of Sturt's Lock and it seems like an invasion of privacy for people living along the pontoons.
The Planning Statement (paragraph 2.11) has made reference to a revised application for Holborn Studios redevelopment, but it plays down the fact that the 2015 plan was overturned in the High Court. So I cannot see why an identical plan will be acceptable, especially since the Mayor of London is taking steps to protect jobs in creative industries. We have consistently opposed plans to demolish or displace Holborn Studios and we remain determined to protect their canalside buildings and their jobs. So we are naturally concerned about any schemes that are based around assumptions that Holborn Studios will not remain intact.
Please note that there are various other reasons for objecting but I believe that you have already received comments from nearby residents and heritage campaigners so I will not replicate them here.
Please also note that this scheme has a greater impact on Islington residents than on Hackney residents (for example the intrusive balconies and the cafe noises) so I have copied in Martin Klute, one of the local councillors.
Regards,
Ian Shacklock
Chair, Friends of Regent's Canal.
21st November 2018
Note to website visitors: to understand the context of the above letter please visit planning-app-2018-3517.html