| |
Defenders of St James’s history launch manifesto
Campaigners fear threat of tall, bulky developments in area
A MAJOR campaign to save historic St James’s from a barrage of controversial planning applications was launched this week.
St James’s, with buildings dating from Tudor times, is considered the jewel in the crown of historic Westminster. The skyline has changed little since rebuilding in the wake of German bombing during the World War II.
Now campaigners say the threat is from a host of tall and bulky developments that could see six buildings bulldozed by early next year. These include:
• Two buildings in St James’s Square;
• Windsor House in St James’s Street;
• The French Railway House in Jermyn Street;
• The Eagle Star Building in Arlington Street, will make way for the Ritz extension.
St James’s Conservation Trust chairman Brian Woodham, who lives in St James’s Square, said: “Over the past 20 years there has been an accelerated deterioration of the character and atmosphere of St James’s.
“The increase in large offices, restaurants and bars has brought intolerable noise and unwelcome footfall from the neighbouring West End. Leicester Square had high quality restaurants and clubs and its deterioration has been brought about by the same factors now attacking historic St James’s.”
Mr Woodham said the numbers of hedge-fund managers living in exclusive St James’s could add an economic element to the applications.
With the young millionaires snapping up property, Mr Woodham thought it unwise to downgrade the prestige of the area through poor planning decisions.
The trust has commissioned Peter Heath to produce a major report to guide the council’s planning department specifically on St James’s.
Mr Heath, the architect who remodelled Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden in the 1990s, shares the trust’s concern.
His study Suitable Architecture for Historic St James’s in the 21st Century, is to be released early next year. It has received “warm support” from Westminster planners, who are due to meet the trust and Mr Heath next week. |
 |
|
| |
| |
