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| NEWS | BY RICHARD OSLEY |
 An artists impression of the proposed redevelopment |
More than 100 objectors to the upgrade of the Northern Line station – used by more than 23 million Tube users every year – will get the chance to have their protest heard by an independent government inspector. Buck Street Market, the United Trinity Reform Church and the Electric Ballroom – a popular nightclub in Camden High Street – all face the bulldozer if the scheme gets the go-ahead. London Underground has applied for compulsory purchase orders on the triangle of land behind the station to secure the expansion. After a flood of objections a government inspector has said he wants an inquiry into the compulsory purchase plans. No dates have been confirmed for the inquiry because the separate issue of the above-ground seven-storey development, which will feature residential and retail units, must first be resolved by Camden Council’s planning department. But the Town Hall may yet defer the tower block plan to an inspector as well. Government sources are predicting the case will be heard in October after evidence from all sides has been compiled and the inspector has been appointed. It is understood that the majority of objections are from residents and businesses in the immediate vicinity but others have come from overseas, including letters from Portugal, the United States and Australia. Josie Kelly, from residents group Camden Town Speaks, said: “This is wonderful news. I think people were getting weary and giving up the fight but this will lift us up again.” She added: “Camden Town is an old town and having this glass tower in the middle of it. I’m not an architect but you can see that it is out of character with the area. They can have the space age platforms underground but not the space age architecture above ground. We will definitely want to speak at the inquiry.” Steve Lucas, from campaign group Keep It Camden, added: “Ideally I would like to see two inquiries with another inquiry for the above ground development.” Several celebrities – including Dame Judi Dench and Boy George – have already revealed their concerns for the future of the Electric Ballroom music venue, due to celebrate its 65th anniversary later this year. Kate Fuller, the club’s manager director, said: “The station does need to be improved but it should be done without destroying the Ballroom and Camden Town. We are determined to keep the Ballroom.” The news of a public inquiry has been welcomed by London Underground, who have expressed a desire to begin work on the site – expected to take a decade to complete – at the earliest possible date. They say the station is dangerously overcrowded and a retail development is needed to fund the cost of the refurbishment. |
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