Heritage bosses clash with council over tower ‘threat’ to Nash terrace

The Government’s says the building would blight views of Chester Terrace, a Grade I listed row of homes in Regent's Park

Jonathan Prynn, Business Editor @JonPrynn12 August 2016

Heritage bosses have asked ministers to block a proposed 25-storey apartment building that they claim would “fundamentally harm” views of one of London’s grandest Regency terraces.

The tower in Somers Town near St Pancras station forms part of a £1 billion Camden council regeneration masterplan.

Proceeds from the sales of the 54 flats will be used to fund investment in dilapidated schools and affordable housing. It was given the green light by council chiefs in June.

But the Government’s official heritage advisers say the building would blight views of Chester Terrace, a Grade I listed row of 42 stucco-fronted neo-classical homes in Regent’s Park.

They are appealing to Communities Secretary Sajid Javid to override the council by using his powers to call in the scheme for a public inquiry.

Chris Smith, national planning director at Historic England, said: “A tall building in this location would harm views from Regent’s Park and the surrounding terraces designed by John Nash, which have remained substantially intact for the past 200 years.”

The scheme has been cleared by Sadiq Khan in a decision described by Historic England as “very disappointing”, leaving a ministerial intervention as one of the last options for stopping it.

Architect dRRM, which designed the Purchese Street block, said its “paired micro-towers” created “a slim profile and minimal footprint; a ‘light touch’ approach”. It has 27 one-bed flats, 24 two-beds and three larger apartments, including two penthouses at the top.

Many residents in Camden oppose the plan, with one calling it “reckless”. But councillor Phil Jones, cabinet member for regeneration, transport and planning, said: “The building has a very limited impact on the Nash terrace from a small number of locations.

“We want to build a desperately needed new primary school, children’s play centre, park and new homes.

"It is impossible to deliver these public benefits without a taller building to pay for them and Historic England are wrong to try to jeopardise this vital project.”