As residents may already know, SHTA attended a Development Control Forum for the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital site on the 27th April 2007.

The meeting was chaired by Camden Council Development Control Manager Mr T Cronin, he explained that the pupose of the Fourm was to provide an opportunity for local residents to find out more about the proposed development for the EGA site.

The Forum was attended by concerned local residents groups, Churchway TRA, Somerton House TA, START (Somerstown & St Pancras Arts Line), Seymour House, Wellesly House, Grafton Chambers, Avigal House, several individual residents, members from local TRA’s and Cllr Robert Robinson (lab). On behalf of Camden Planning the Case Officer Barrington Bowie gave an over view of the EGA site, explaining that the site owners Unison purchased the site in 2005 and has discussed possible redevelopment options for the site since then.

The latest proposals are to retain the listed building (the original hospital) and demolish the other blocks to provide four new buildings. The proposed use of the site is to accommodate the new Unison headquarters, they will then find a new use for the 80′s concrete tower block that is their current location, on the corner of Euston road and Mabledon place, east of Somerton House.

The development is to comprise of the new headquarters for Unison including office and conference facitlies, and to also provide a mixture of private and afforable residential accommodation.

Representatives from The Archetect Squires and Partners, Mr M Squire and Mr M Pout explained their develpoment proposials and gave a slide presentation to ilustrate thier propsal of a 10 storey tower with a 5 storey glazed atrium, glazed gateways with cafés and meeting places, a 10 story residential block along with two and four storey residential mews blocks linked with bridges.

Questions by the local TRA’s and residents centered on the height of the building – 10 storeys was too high, and not enough space was given to social housing, when the area clearly needs it.

Cllr Robinson has serious concerns about the 10 storey block, he said that he would oppose the development if the block was more that 4 to 5 storeys high, this was echoed by Mrs Mirinda Martin from Churchway TRA.

It was stressed to the development parties by all the local concerns that the impact of the construction will have the potential and current effects of noise, disruption, vibration, dust and lower quality of life for the local residents.

SHTA Chair asked whether consideration has been given to the impact on the South of Euston Rd, and stated that Somerton House TA had objected to the building of the existing Unison building in 1978, because of the effect on resident’s light and views, and was dissapointed that 30 years later the same TA was fighting the same issue, he also raised concerns about the height of the proposed tower and stated that the proposals had not addressed the social aspects for local residents.

It was noted that the Archetect Mr Squire was hurt by the comment that his tower was likend to the existing Unison building.

Resident’s from Avigal House reiterated the points about the 10 storey building, and said they would block it as it would be overbearing, Churchway TRA Chair noted that she would like to see 4 to 5 floors coming off the tower.

The meeting ended with thanks to all participants.

You will now have received in the post a letter of notification of receipt of an application of planning permission for the proposed work from the Case Planner Barrington Bowie, inviting you to comment on the application. You will have noticed that work has started on the EGA site, this work is to make the building safe, the next contractor due to arrive will be the demolitions experts some time in Novemeber.

SHTA oppose the present proposal and application 2007/3736/P made by Unison for the Former Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital, as stated.

The impact on the lives of the residents of Somerton House has not been considered, any building over 5 storeys would block the viewing corridor to Parliment Hill, Hampstead & Highgate, and the plans do not provide satisfactory levels of socal and local inclussion with housing and recreational facilites.

This proposal affects you and other local residents, make sure that you have a say,

SHTA say NO to 10 storeys.