The controversial development by Royal Mail Group at Mount Pleasant comes before the Mayor of London this Friday. Architects Fielden Clegg Bradley, who have offices in Fitzrovia, is one of the four architectural practices that have designed the scheme which many neighbouring residents have described as a “grossly insensitive scheme”.
A GLA officer’s report recommends approving the scheme and follows in the footsteps of plans by Derwent London for the Saatchi Block at Charlotte Street, and a scheme by Exemplar for the redevelopment of Spitalfields, both of which were passed by Boris Johnson after a public hearing.
The Mount Pleasant hearing will take place at City Hall this Friday 3 October at 10.30am. “At the request of Royal Mail Group, the Mayor of London ‘called in’ this controversial application on 29 January 2014, taking the decision away from Camden and Islington Councils, who both rejected the scheme in February and March respectively this year. Both councils and the GLA have been inundated with letters opposing this grossly insensitive scheme,” says the Mount Pleasant Association.
The applicant is Royal Mail Group and the architects are AHMM, Fielden Clegg Bradley, Allies and Morrison, and Wilkinson Eyre Architects. Fielden Clegg Bradley have offices in Bath, Belfast and at Tottenham Street in Fitzrovia.
The Mount Pleasant Association has suggested its own scheme for the site and is asking residents to come along to the hearing to oppose Royal Mail Group’s plans.
The scheme is such a pig’s ear and Boris Johnson’s high-handed approach to local people has even drawn criticism on the Conservative Home website. “It’s time to stop imposing unpopular housing forms from on high for short term returns. It’s time to start working with local communities for greater long term value and better development,” says Nicholas Boys Smith.