Laboratory not suitable

Published: 22 April, 2010

• THERE was some good news with your report (April 15) on the bringing in of new architects for the proposed UKCMRI medical laboratory behind the British Library, and congratulations to Camden Council planners for their recognition that the original proposal, with its tall, brutal, glass walls slapped in the faces of local residents and park users, was wholly unacceptable.
But the expensive new team of architects will have their work cut out. When I, with other local Green Party council candidates, met the consortium last month we suggested that were the bulk of the building to be reduced by one third then there might be some hope of its fitting in its surroundings.
“No chance,” was the response, the consortium saying that every inch of space within the current proposal was needed.
Which still leaves us where we started: the proposed site is inappropriate for the building – simply not large enough, as well as being a clearly unsuitable site for research on dangerous viruses, right beside the Eurostar terminal.
Then there’s the fact that the land is desperately needed for housing and community facilities for Somers Town. The medical lab could go anywhere; Somers Town has no alternatives.
NATALIE BENNETT
Green Party candidate
Holborn & St Pancras