Camden News: Michael Foot

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Camden News - by DAN CARRIER
Published: 14 August 2008

Michael Foot

Labour’s old warhorse Foot takes on the developers

FORMER Labour Party leader Michael Foot fears his “peace and privacy” is at stake as developers plan to build a new luxury apartment block in his Hampstead street.
The elder statesman of left-wing politics has waded into the row over the proposed demolition of the Worsley Court townhouse at the corner of Pilgrims Lane.
Opponents believe the replacement of five designer flats will not be in keeping with the historic leafy terrace.
Mr Foot has lived opposite the red-brick building facing the bulldozer since 1964. In a letter to planning chiefs – part of an objection filed by the Pilgrims to Willoughby Residents Association – he said: “I am particularly concerned about the disruption and noise during the demolition and construction of such a development. Access to my house and others will be very difficult. I am 95 and registered disabled and when I leave my house, a car or taxi has to park very near my house.”
The Association, with 300 members based in seven streets, is fighting the proposals from award-winning architects Crawford Partnership.
Objectors have already won two appeals against the plans which have been scaled down from earlier designs but now include a swimming pool in the basement and a lift leading to a penthouse apartment. Association chairwoman Janine Griffis said: “I suppose our major concern is that the basement will be a floor lower than it is now and would effect the River Fleet, which runs beneath the building. The height of the building is also a concern and conflicts with the historic harmony of the terrace.”
Company director Alan Crawford said: “This is a modern interpretation of what was there already. It is not in your face and I think will sit quite happily in the conservation area. We have been working on this for two years and we have submitted proposals that appear to have satisfied the conservation committee.”
The deadline for objections is now closed and a decision will be taken by the planning committee in September.

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