Prescott kiboshes plan for £130m seven-storey station

DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott has spiked London Underground’s £130-million plans to revamp Camden Town Tube station.
Transport chiefs now face going back to the drawing board in their search to find an acceptable solution to improve the congested Northern Line stop.
They were told on Tuesday that their plans for a giant scheme to replace the existing station with a seven-storey tower would not be approved. If the massive ten-year project had been given the green light, London Underground would have been able to seize land surrounding the station and the historic Electric Ballroom nightclub, Buck Street Market and the Trinity United Reform Church in Buck Street would have faced the bulldozer. But following a five-month public inquiry, planning inspector Kenneth Barton ruled that London Underground’s above-ground designs – a new complex of shops and sought-after flats – would not work in the heart of Camden Town.
The decision was approved by Mr Prescott on Tuesday. His report said: “The proposed above ground development at an important location would not preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area and would have a detrimental impact on the vitality and viability of the Camden Town centre.”
London Underground reacted with disappointment to the refusal, pledging to work with Camden’s planners to find a solution and vowed to take time to read Mr Barton’s final report with a fine-tooth comb before deciding on their next move.
A spokesman said: “We are disappointed but would point out that the inspector agreed plans are required and that redevelopment is necessary.”
Meanwhile, the Town Hall sees the verdict as justification for their decision to refuse planning permission.
Labour Councillor Jake Sumner, vice-chairman of the planning committee said: “Given the significance of the site as a Camden landmark and the impact of any development there on the town centre, it is absolutely vital we get it right.”
Campaigners spoke of their relief that the scheme had bitten the dust.
Kate Fuller, manager of the saved Electric Ballroom, a landmark venue, said: “We’re absolutely delighted but also relieved. The Ballroom along with Buck Street Market and other Camden groups have been fighting for four years against London Underground. The decision vindicates all that we’ve been arguing, that the above ground development was completely unjustified and would have destroyed the character and vitality of Camden Town.”
Another objector, Henry Conlon, boss at the Dublin Castle in nearby Parkway, another historic music spot, said: “I’m happy for Kate. If they had built this thing then it would have been a disaster for Camden Town. We need to protect live music venues like the Electric Ballroom.”
Martin Morton, from the Camden Civic Society, added: “The decision proves that we were right in Camden. London Underground should be ashamed of themselves. They have shot themselves in the foot because they sponsored something that was so banal. I’m not desperately happy because we all want the new station and this is 18 months to two years wasted.”
But Tory London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden Brian Coleman said: “Camden Town is doomed. This could have been a focal point for regeneration. Labour ministers should hang their head in shame at this lost opportunity to revitalise this forgotten part of north London. Prescott seems happy to abandon Camden Town to the drug users, alcoholics and foreign backpackers and abandon the local community.”
It is the second time Tube bosses have seen their tower plans collapse. London Mayor Ken Livingstone stamped on a plan for a 14-storey tower block on the site four years ago.