Architect launches legal action against Camden Council

A Bloomsbury architect has started legal proceedings against Camden Council over its decision to grant planning permission to an office and residential-led development project he says will cause damage to the setting of the Bloomsbury and Covent Garden Conservation Areas and to the Grade I listed British Museum, Bedford Square and St George’s Church. The council last year approved BC Partners’ plans to redevelop Selkirk House, which included demolishing a 17-storey former Travelodge hotel on the site and replacing it with a taller tower, as well as other new buildings.  Local architect James Monahan argues that the local authority neglected its legal and procedural responsibilities to investigate alternatives to the new building’s height, mass and design when it granted planning permission. He has asked for a judicial review of the decision. “The decision to grant permission for a monstrous, speculative office tower in Museum Street, which had attracted massive opposition, is one of the worst examples of a fawning attitude of the planners towards developers,” Monahan said. “It sets a precedent for similar or even taller towers that will soon obliterate the historic character of central London.” Objections to the scheme came from Historic England, the Georgian Group, the Victorian Society, Save Britain’s Heritage and the London School of Economics, as well as public figures including film-maker Mike Leigh and comedian Griff Rhys Jones. A Camden Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the challenge submitted by Mr Monahan and we will be robustly defending our decision to grant planning permission which we consider to be sound. We are unable to comment further due to the impending proceedings.” Image © DSDHA View other planning applications in Camden >>