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I’ve taken our fight against a developer’s plans to demolish the local Pizza Express building to the Town Hall.
Nick Russell and the local Lib Dems saved the Kentish Town Baths, and are now working to save the old Polytechnic Assembly Hall opposite.
Hundreds of local residents have backed my petition against the scheme to knock down the historic 1929 building. I’ve told Camden Council’s officials that they’d be wrong to ignore the fact that the former Polytechnic Asssembly Hall is a much-loved landmark.
I told officers they are bound by planning law to protect local heritage buildings that are valued by communities, whether they are listed or not. I wrote: “Our petition provides powerful evidence that this building is dear to the local community, both because of its historical connotations and its contribution to the local townscape. A number have cherished memories of attending the old Polytechnic.”
I won’t let the developers get away with dismissing that building as being of no value. If local residents say they value it, Camden Council should sit up and listen to them.
The council will now consider the objections for two or three months before the application goes to councillors for a decision. I am campaigning to become a strong voice for Kentish Town in the by-election that’s on. I plan to be at the committee to make sure residents’ views are not ignored.
My objection to the plans for the Pizza Express building
Nick Russell, Kentish Town campaigner
