The Magdala pub

• ON balance I am disappointed the plan to reopen the Magdala pub in South End was rejected, (Pub campaign wins as plan for flat above famous Magdala bar is thrown out, March 14).

The developers’ plan involved reopening the pub but converting the existing function room above to a residential flat.

Many of my neighbours joined a campaign to reject this plan, spearheaded by comedian Frank Skinner.

I regret this turn of events as now the Magdala will remain empty and not in use – whereas this application would have seen it return as a pub.

Former Hampstead councillor Tom Currie did great work ensuring that, when it closed originally, the Magdala secured Asset of Community Value status.

But that status cannot mean that the building is left vacant indefinitely.

The recent application appeared to me to be a good way forward, not sacrificing the space entirely for flats but recognising running a pub is not an easy economic enterprise.

I hope the Magdala does one day reopen as a pub and that, with the recent campaign to object, we have not inadvertently made that prospect more remote.

HAMISH HUNTER
Nassington Road, NW3