Grade expectations? D-day for homes in Belsize Park Gardens

Published: 23 September, 2010
by DAN CARRIER

THEY’VE won global recognition as examples of the best in British modernist architecture. But now two glass and steel homes in Belsize Park could face the axe as Whitehall design mandarins decide whether to overturn their own decision not to award them listed status.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, who oversee protection for historically important structures, will decide at the end of next week whether the homes built by renowned architects Robin Spence and Robin Wenster in 1980 for their families should be given special treatment.

Two applications for the properties to become listed have failed – and if this does not change the owners will have the green light to pull them down and build two new houses boasting seven bedrooms each and a basement swimming pool. 

Mr Spence said: “It would be a pity if they were to be lost, they make a very positive contribution to Belsize Park Gardens, which has a very high density and is badly in need of the breathing space created by these houses.”

Architect Danielle Tinero, who lives in Belsize Avenue, said: “We want to save a unique piece of architecture. It would be a travesty if the minister ignored the advice given by English Heritage to  list these buildings. It would be baffling if Camden Council gave permission for demolition and turned their backs on a gem in our midst.”

Bill Emmott, the former editor of global business and current affairs magazine The Economist, who owns one of the buildings, said: “I support the decision not to list the buildings. I can understand people not wanting change but I can’t accept the argument that our plans are out of place in any way.”

The listing plan is also backed by the 20th Century Society and English Heritage.