Planning boss rejects 7-storey Notting Hill Home Ownership building that would ‘swamp’ Union Chapel

Published: 26th November, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

PLANS to dwarf the much-loved Union Chapel in Canonbury with a seven-storey “monster” development have been thrown out by the Planning Inspector this week.

The application to demolish all the existing properties at the 85 Canonbury Road site and replace them with three buildings ranging in height from two to seven floors with 134 homes and retail/work units was overwhelmingly opposed by residents and Liberal Democrat councillors.

Councillors turned down the planning application by Notting Hill Home Ownership in March leading to the developers’ appeal against the decision. 

The independent planning inspector has now rejected the appeal and backed residents who objected to the scale of the development and its impact on the character of the surrounding conservation area and Union Chapel.

But the reasons given by Labour councillors for rejecting the planning application in March were not supported by the planning inspector. He felt the development contained the correct mix of housing.

Lib Dem councillor Susan Buchanan said: “I’m delighted the planning inspector has listened to the concerns of residents and local Liberal Democrats and that we have been spared this monster development.

“The proposed building was too high and too large.  It would have totally swamped the beautiful  Union Chapel and the conservation area.

“The Union Chapel in particular is one of the borough’s architectural gems.”