Haverstock’s Liberal Democrat councillors have campaigned for more protection for buidlings that have special significance to Camden people.

Our campaign to win protection for much loved local buildings has been won, as Camden Council launches a consultation on a “local list” for our area.

In recent years two important, historical buildings – the Old Chappell Factory and the former North London Polytechnic Buliding – have fallen under threat of demolition.  The buildings were at risk because, although they are undisputably of local historical significance, to qualify for listing (and therefore protection under planning law) a building in Camden must currently have national significance.

After local people successfully fought to save both buildings, I proposed a “local list” for Camden so we could protect buildings deemed to have social, historical or community significance to people in the borough (if not across the country).  The idea was quickly covered in the Camden New Journal and well received by local residents, campaigners and conservationists.

To their credit, the council will now introduce a local list, and are asking what criteria should be used to add buildings.  Their sensible proposal would require buildings to meet two criteria from architectural interest, historical significance, town scape value or social value.  However, the really important decision will be how buildings are proposed for and accepted onto the list.  This process should be community led – with the criteria applied in a fair, balanced and transparent way.

You can have your say here.

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