Camden Councillors

The past year has been an eventful one in Covent Garden and I would like to highlight some of the major planning, environmental and housing issues. Firstly, there is the development of Holborn Town Hall as a hotel and restaurant and thankfully, for the benefit of the local community, there will also be a new Community Centre. Members of the CGCA deserve my thanks and gratitude for this forward looking initiative. Another significant planning application has been granted for the development of a supermarket on the site of Aviation House. There was initial opposition to this plan from local residents but finally a consensus was reached which I hope will prove acceptable and lasting. However, one of the most controversial applications currently under consideration is the development of the Endell Street St Paul's Hospital site. The original application was turned down by the Council as it had no provision for housing and the proposal was considered too big and insensitive to the needs of the local residents. A modified plan for the Hospital site is about to be submitted which may include provisions for much needed social housing in the neighbourhood. I shall look forward to examining the new plan when submitted.

The impact of the expansion of the tourist facilities e.g. hotels, restaurants, increased traffic and the licensing of the late night clubs and bars are considered to be detrimental to the quality of life of the local residents. As a local councillor, I receive many complaints from residents and community groups about the negative impact of these developments on their lives. I share their concern. Covent Garden desperately needs more social housing, community provision and adequate play and leisure facilities for young and old. Illegal trading is a persistent irritation and requires constant vigilance, as do the numbers of applications for restaurants, hotels and late night licences.

After persistent pleadings from the community and local councillors, the Council had commissioned a study to assess the impact of hotel development in Bloomsbury including Covent Garden and Fitzrovia. The findings of this study appear to contradict the proven negative impact of hotel development and it recommends even more scope for further hotel development in Bloomsbury. This report has been referred back for further consultation and consideration.

The Covent Garden Community Association is doing pioneering work to prevent some of the excesses of large and small scale developments which are detrimental to the area. It has been a pleasure to work with and for them.

Finally I would like to congratulate the Seven Dials Monument Charity for the publication of their exquisite Environmental Handbook and also for winning the first prize for restoring the aesthetic glory of the 'Sundial Pillar' in Covent Garden.

Cllr Nirmal Roy, Bloomsbury Ward

 

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