Examples of objections to Holborn Studios demolition


I wish to object in the strongest possible terms to this planning application for the following reasons:

1. Holborn Studios currently comprises a unique mix of buildings that closely reflect the heritage of the Regent's Canal and this creative quarter of London. The proposed development pays lip service to the social, economic and cultural importance of this site and its interesting, eclectic mix of buildings and uses.

2. Given the site's heritage and location within the Conservation Area and its inclusion within the Council's local heritage list, it deserves the very best architectural treatment. Instead, the proposed blocks are unimaginative, reflecting a ubiquitous 'off the peg' style, which makes no connection or reference to the character and identity of the site. Even worse, the design appears to repeat the design mistakes that have been made at nearby Angel Wharf, Lime Wharf and Gainsborough Studios. These buildings should not be used as reference points for a regenerated Holborn Studios. The site deserves so much more!

3. The all-important chimney would be completely 'drowned out' by the seven storey adjacent block - rendering it little more that a 'swamped remnant', rather than a respected and valued reminder of the area's glorious history and the site's sense of place. The chimney's 'setting' would be hugely diminished.

4. The blocks themselves are simply too high, which not only swamps the chimney, but would make the inner courtyards dark and overshadowed, with very limited natural light. This lack of space and light would limit the functionality of the site for photographic purposes. The buildings would also have an overbearing effect on Eagle Wharf Road.

5. The relegation of the photographic studios to the basement clearly compounds the proposal's disregard for the character and function of the site.

6. Neither the very modest offering (c.20%) of affordable housing nor any other of the suggested 'benefits' would compensate for the harm caused by these very poorly designed and ill-considered proposals.

These buildings represent one of the few remaining sites of historic significance on the canal in hackney and there is no need for them to be demolished.

The industrial and creative heritage of the site is unique and will be lost if the site is redeveloped as proposed.

So many of these types of complex are being lost across London, which collectively diminishes the authentic appeal of the city. At the same time, many eminently suitable brownfield sites languish unused and under-utilised.

For these reasons, please ask the developers to withdraw their planning application in favour of a more suitable site.

I am writing to object to the proposed demolition of some of the industrial buildings that currently house Holborn Studios. This is not only an historical building, but also a thriving working place, and it seems a shame to destroy it for the simple benefit of property developers who care only for their profit, disregarding the needs and wills of local communities.

Let's hope that Hackney council will have will and wisdom to oppose this latest demolition of London cultural and industrial heritage.

We live close to Actons Lock by Broadway Market and in the last ten years have seen the transformation of the canal from a characterful part of east London enjoyed by public and wildlife alike into a busy conduit towered over by developments. The recent developments along our stretch of the canal towards angel are most definitely not in keeping with the character of the towpath, are are quite honestly more of the same 'blah' generic architecture that could exist anywhere in the world. Our house is one of the few original/hertiage buildings on the canal and we believe this and others like it need to be protected to safeguard the heritage of the canal and keep a diversity of use in the neighbourhood.

Holborn studios is one of those few precious places that has brought the creativity and character to the neighbourhood that these developers so desperately seek to sell to their clients. It is a part of our community, the culture of the canal which is gradually being taken from us, building by building. The fact that this is a conservation area should mean something. We really hope you will consider saving the studios.

Holborn studios it is an important resource for creative London and a thriving creative business community.

Speaking as an interior designer and a canal user I urge you to reject this application or advise the applicant to withdraw it.

I am writing to you to object to the proposed demolition of the industrial buildings Holborn Studios: planning application 2015/2596 for the following reasons.

Holborn studios it is an important resource for creative London and a thriving business community.

I have been to an open day at Holborn Studios. I was impressed by the quality of facilities; the free flow of the buildings and offices, the airy abundance of space and natural light, the stylish offices, the quirky industrial corridors, the impressive photographic studios and the enthusiasm and diversity of the people using it. I left thinking what a fabulous place to work, study or relax. There is one word to describe Holborn Studios: dynamic.

Holborn studios attracts diverse business interests, from cutting edge architects and photographers, to make-up artists for film and photography. David Bailey said that 'Holborn Studios is the friendliest place to shoot in London', I left knowing why.

The plans submitted suggest a relocation of the studios to a newly built basement, ultimately destroying the community and forcing its closure.

Furthermore the canal is at risk of becoming a completely homogenised 'non-place', an unforgiving featureless landscape characterized by sheer walls of glass and steel that cast a shadow over the water and the towpath; if we are not careful we, the users, will be left feeling as though we are promenading through a desolate computer game without a sense of place or belonging.

If every proposed demolition of industrial heritage buildings is granted eventually there won't be a trace of the past - for present or future generations to experience, to enjoy and to learn from.

Research commissioned by Historic England has found people strongly believe that our industrial heritage should not be demolished or left to decay: 71% agree that industrial heritage sites should be reused for modern day purposes while making sure their character is preserved. https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/heritage-at-risk/industrial-heritage/how-are-we-classifying-industrial/peoples-views/

Speaking as a local person and someone who grew up in Islington, I know from first hand experience that the canal offers local people, particularly younger people/children, a much needed break from the city, the traffic, the noise and the pollution. It is a place to refresh oneself, a world of its own, an escape, a place to be closer to nature and wildlife; even a place to enjoy the sun. Holborn Studios holds a true and honest connection to the water and the canal. There is natural light; there is life. I urge you to reject this application or advise the applicant to withdraw it.

I am writing to object to latest proposal to demolish some of the industrial buildings that currently house Holborn Studios and were formerly the Regent's Canal Ironworks. This has always been a building providing much needed employment, in an area with high unemployment and one of the most deprived areas in the UK. This proposal will do nothing to improve matters and further removes a thriving centre of work.

It will damage a historic landscape which is a major feature of heritage in the Shoreditch area. Having run a project about the heritage of the Regent's Canal last summer for Laburnum Boat Club, it was striking how little heritage is left, but how people we guided along the Canal are pleased to see the little that remains. At the same time, it is also striking how the Canal landscape is now overwhelmingly heterogeneous with block after block of flats looking the same, of the same period, wiping out 200 years of history and replacing it with year 2000 full stop. The canal is a valuable leisure amenity, teaching tool, link with our roots and past and an aesthetic pleasure. The current incredibly rapid regeneration and social and industrial cleansing must not be allowed to start destroying listed buildings allowing over-development.

I wish to register my objection to this planned development proposal. The development, if permitted to go ahead would severely disrupt if not destroy currently viable businesses and a thriving local community.

Much of this area was bombed during WW2 or cleared in the immediate post-war period. The Holborn Studios represents a rare surviving example of the original local industrial landscape. Much of the canal route has suffered from the building of unsympathetic waterfront developments. Sailing or walking the towpath is now like walking through a canyon.

The studios are locally listed and therefore there should be a presumption against development, unless the replacement is necessary, and of particularly significant merit. I suggest that neither criterion has been met.

I also understand that the developer has stated a falsehood in the application, regarding the utility of the replacement studio space. I therefore urge that this application be rejected

I write about the Planning Application you have received for Holborn Studios and its re-development.

This is a potential disaster. For a while I lived beside the Regents Canal opposite Kingsland Basin and watched how the character of the canalside buildings changed radically during the last decade. There is precious little left of the original architecture and now even Holborn Studios is threatened. The faceless blocks of flats contribute nothing to the canal and we have enough of them now. The time has come to call a halt.

Further...Holborn Studios is a thriving centre of creative employment that is close to the 'hub' of Old Street roundabout and a perfect setting for small companies to set up, intermingle and grow. Surely the Council's first need is for employment and Holborn Studios represents an intense and irreplaceable setting.

I urge you to encourage the Planning Committee to turn down this Planning Application and the many further applications that will doubtless follow. There is no point in building ceaseless flats if there is nowhere for their occupants to work.

I would like to object to these proposals. The vast majority of our industrial heritage has been lost along the length of the Regents Canal over recent decades and this plan will mean yet more of our old industrial buildings will be lost. I was recently priviledged to see the inside of the studios during a public meeting there and it is clear that the current leaseholders have injected life and vitality into these buildings over the years, not to mention providing a fantastic workspace for I understand around 350 jobs, many in businesses who would no doubt struggle to pay the rents of the proposed developed workspace.

Whilst the retention of the iconic chimney is to be welcomed in the proposed development, the only simple way that I can think to describe how it will look in the context of the redeveloped buildings is stupid (as per graphics of the developed site). And by that I conclude that the ugly over development should not be allowed to happen, rather than suggesting the chimney should come down too.

I feel very passionate as a resident on (literally) the Regents Canal, regular cruiser up and down it as well as jogger and walker on the towpath that the character of the canal as an open space for 1,000s, actually 10,000s of residents of and visitors to this part of London should be retained. The view of Holborn Studios from a passing boat or the towpath is special and in my view we cannot just lose it and the history that goes with it.

Thank you for taking my views into account in your deliberations.

I am writing to object to the proposed demolition of some of the industrial buildings that currently house Holborn Studios. I operate a trip boat company along the Regent's Canal, and regularly conduct cruises past the above location. Not only are the buildings significant in a historical and cultural sense, but they support numerous local creative industries, and also provide jobs. They are an important aspect of the canal landscape and add both character and charm to the waterway; our passengers have commented on the growing number of Lego-like structures which are appearing with an alarming regularity along the towpaths on the Regent's Canal, and have expressed concern that too many treasured locations are being demolished to make way for flats - the majority of which seem to remain empty! I beseech you to consider the views of local companies, along with the public who use the canals.

Related web pages


Planning App 2015/2596

How to object