Chester Road hostel in Highgate destined for demolition?

• THAT Camden Council intend to bulldoze a recognised culturally and architecturally significant building, one built by Camden when it had an internationally celebrated in-house architecture department, is scandalous, (Heritage group hits out at plans to knock down 70s-design hostel, October 15).

But it is, sadly, not surprising. Twenty years ago the council planned to bulldoze the Lawn Road flats which, by a fluke, it owned and rented out to residents who were in no position (many could not write in English) to protest the lack of investment that led to the decision.

Fortunately Gerry Harrison, a diligent councillor with a knowledge of local history, got the building Grade II-listed in the nick of time. The rest is history and you can read all about it in the small, elegant gallery of the now Grade I-listed building, which is open on weekends.

Curious residents, architects, city planners, writers, historians, and ordinary tourists come from all over the world to see the gallery and on Open House weekends the queues are around the block.

Too many important buildings have been replaced. Thankfully the 20th Century Society and Professor Mark Swenarton are on hand to flag up the threat and protest.

But where is the intrepid official from Camden planning department; where is the local councillor and MP who will defend the Chester Road hostel to ensure that another crime against the built environment is not committed in the name of expediency – and short-sightedness?

JOYCE GLASSER
Savernake Road, NW3