Westminster noise disruption a headache for Camden residents

Published: 01 April 2011
by JOSH LOEB

IN the pantheon of border disputes it might not rank alongside Israel and Palestine or Jammu and Kashmir but the wiggly boundary line that divides Camden from Westminster is causing no end of irritation to residents of one of the capital’s “divided re­gions”.

Fitzrovia residents and businesses on the  Camden side have hit out at noise from refurbishment works being carried out in the City of Westminster. 

The site, 19-22 Rathbone Place, is unambiguously in Westminster. However, workmen carrying out removals have placed a skip at the back, in Gresse Street – a road divided between the two local authorities.

Gresse Street resident Chris Howard said he had complained to both Camden and Westminster about daily disturbance from the building site.

“As the works are being undertaken in Westminster, officially, we cannot dispute or complain as we do not live in that borough,” said Mr Howard. “These cross-boundary problems seem to go on and on.” 

Businessman Rodney Kinsman, whose office is in Gresse Street, said: “We are always having these kind of issues. It is Westminster property but all demolition and waste removal is taking place adjacent to the Camden side. 

“We have had sawdust pouring into our office. Working is impossible because of the noise. Camden says ‘It’s got nothing to do with us’ and Westminster says ‘You’re not part of our borough’.” 

A Camden Council  spokeswoman said the development was taking place in Westminster and that complaints should be directed to that authority.

But a Westminster spokesman said: “We are aware of residents’ concerns about the development in Rathbone Place. 

“Council officers have visited the site this week to ensure that the work is being carried out within the agreed hours and advised that workmen should load metal scrap on to lorries more quietly. The border of Westminster and Camden runs through Gresse Street. We generally advise residents of the street to report any issues to the authority in which they live. 

“However, in this instance, because the matter relates to a property in Westminster, we have been dealing with the complaints. We have a close working with relationship with Camden, as we do with the other boroughs that we share borders with, and we are used to working together on matters than span borders.” 

In the 1960s there were short-lived proposals to “annex” part of eastern Fitzrovia to Westminster in an attempt to resolve complications around planning.

The new Fitzrovia Community Centre, due to open this year, will be situated in Westminster despite being backed by Camden Council.