• CAMDEN Council planners have a poor track record when it comes to listening the views of residents of West Hampstead and Fortune Green.

In February, they ignored a record 1,100 local objections and voted to approve plans to build several poorly-designed, seven-storey, eyesores at 156 West End Lane, to tower over neighbouring three-storey properties in the adjoining architectural conservation area.

Now Camden planners have before them a proposal to destroy an important nature conservation site and “green lung” in the middle of Gondar Gardens, by constructing a series of six-storey buildings on top of it, which looks set to attract over 1,500 objections.

Even if some of the current Camden councillors have little regard for the wishes of the voters, we hope they will, at least, pay heed to the technicalities of Camden’s laws, and note that this application contravenes Camden’s policies on the protection of open space and views.

And it also breaches the West Hampstead and Fortune Green Neighbourhood Plan, adopted in a local referendum with a 92 per cent “yes” vote, which states that this specific Gondar Gardens site should maintain suitable conditions for bio-diversity and wildlife.

And that views across it should be protected from significant damage or loss.

IAN COHEN
AXEL KAAE
CHANTELLE DE VILLIERS
Conservative candidates for Fortune Green ward