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Autumn 2014 Promoting interest and high standards in planning, design and the environment

CONTENTS

Page 2 Editorial The Thorney Island Society news

Page 3 Events in Westminster Westminster Education Centre

Page 4 New Planning Officer 55 Broadway ͚ƐƉĞĐƚƌĂ͕͛ƵŐƵƐƚϮϬϭϰ

Page 5 Westminster Fire Station

Page 6 Ergon House 33 Horseferry Road

Page 7 The birds of Vincent Square Where do camels belong?

Page 8 The Thorney Island Society information Westminster Fire Station, 1907 © Westminster City Archives Diary dates

Great Minster North Proposed replacement

www.thethorneyislandsociety.org.uk @ThorneyIslandSo

Editorial & The Thorney Island Society News

2 Welcome to the Autumn Alongside the challenges, there edition of the Thorney Island Society have of course been reasons to be newsletter. The Summer has seen much cheerful. The area has, as usual, played change both on the streets of gracious host to numerous events and 'Westminster Village' and in the Society commemorations, not least those for the itself. Development has continued at great World War I centenary, and has again been speed on Horseferry Road, and even on show to the world, with Tour de France greater speed on Victoria Street, where it is competitors ending their third stage on the increasingly difficult to see sky. Mall. On the cultural front, we are now Since our last newsletter the Society blessed with a Curzon cinema, in addition has commented on more than twenty to the excellent St James' Theatre. planning applications, although we note However, as a relative newcomer to with disappointment that few of those the Society, the stories in this newsletter suggestions have been acted upon. In have been a real eye-opener: apparently common with many other perverse planning decisions, an evident communities, we have seen the cynicism in the public consultation process, decommissioning of our local fire station, and a race to the top where new and can only hope now that the new construction is concerned. We have our owner will be kind to this landmark work cut out! building on Greycoat Place. And as we go Clare Annamalai to press, urgent action is required to safeguard 55 Broadway, and ensure that this unique building, constructed by a public authority using public funds, remains accessible to all.

June Stubbs MBE, the Society's Founder and Chairman, is now living in a care home in Sway, Hampshire, close to her niece Kate. Her family visit her often and report that she is well and pleased to be living in a safer environment than her third floor flat had become. If you would like June's contact details, please get in touch with Juliet Shellabear.

Tom Ball, our Planning Officer and Editor, has decided to step down from both posts, to focus on his many other commitments. He will, of course, continue as an active member of the Society, and we would like to thank him for his enormous contribution.

Pat Shroff has also, sadly, had to step down from the Juliet Lyle & Hugo Shellabear committee, and we are looking out for a volunteer to married on 4th September 2014. continue Pat's very successful programme of dinners. We wish them much happiness!

Events in Westminster & Westminster Education Centre 3 As part of the WWI centenary commemorations, a column of white light appeared in the sky over London, visible across the city between dusk and dawn. Created by artist Ryoji Ikeda, 'spectra' actually comprised forty-nine searchlights installed in a grid pattern next to the . Visitors to Victoria Tower Gardens were able to wander through the grid, to a soundtrack composed by the artist. Despite the crowds it was rather a magical experience looking up to see the beams converge, or watching tiny dust particles float in and out of the light.

For three days in August, Horseguards Parade played host to the cream of international showjumpers, competing in the Longines Global Championships. Competitors jumped '' and a couple of red post boxes, in a showground beautifully framed by and Old Admiralty. Organisers intend to bring the event back to London next year, but can only hope for a repeat of the As we reported in our last glorious weather! newsletter, The Thorney Island Society is one of many contributors Planning permission has been granted for the to the Panorama of the Thames Palace of Westminster's new Education Centre, and project. This is a unique panoramic work has recently begun. The centre, which is being record of the riverside, covering sited at the eastern end of Victoria Tower Gardens, several centuries. It shows the is intended to have a lifespan of just ten years. built and natural environment in Whilst the Thorney Island Society supports the 2014, and the river banks of the principle of increasing educational access to this 16th, 17th and 19th centuries. Part seat of democracy, it regrets that the approved one has recently been published design gives more thought to concealment of the online, with more to follow. building ʹ through the use of 'green walls' ʹ than to www.panoramaofthethames.com appropriate integration with the existing landscape.

New Planning Officer & 55 Broadway

4 We are really delighted that As for her personal aims as Planning Lucy Peck has agreed to take over as Officer, Lucy is far too calm and measured Planning Officer, filling the role vacated by to give me a really juicy soundbite, but she Tom Ball. Lucy describes herself as a total does describe what's happening in Victoria Londoner born, in fact, in the old as "extraordinary." She is particularly Westminster Hospital on Horseferry Road, concerned by the contrast between where she now lives with her husband Westminster Council's stated policy of Donald. In the intervening period she has creating mixed-use developments and the made her name as an architectural reality, which is biased towards luxury historian. residential development. Another bugbear After an architecture degree at is the fact that building heights in the area Bristol University, Lucy went on to do a seem to be moving ever upwards. degree in town planning at London's Lucy has already submitted some Bartlett School of Architecture. Eventually responses on behalf of TTIS, and had a her husband's work took the family to "very nice" meeting with the South Delhi, where they lived for twelve years. Westminster Planning Team, although as During this time, she wrote about the she notes, it is ultimately the councillors architectural history of India, and published who make the decisions. Her background two books, Delhi: A Thousand Years of in architecture and town planning makes Building and Agra: The Architectural her exceptionally well-placed to Heritage. Soon to be published are two understand the tension between building further volumes, about Lahore and infrastructure for a modern city and Fatehpur Sikri, which will 'complete the preserving the unique heritage of old set' of the great mughal cities. However, Westminster. All the Society's planning we cannot expect similar works on London, responses can be found on the website, at: from Lucy. "London has been done to death, whereas India was a wide open field", she says. "I just want to enjoy being http://www.thethorneyislandsociety.org.u in London. k/index.php/planning

TAKE ACTION: 55 Broadway is the astonishing Grade I listed, Art Deco building above St James' Park tube station. TfL wishes to sell the building for residential use, and has appointed architects whose proposal includes building on the 10th floor garden terraces. An alternative plan has recently been put forward, for the building to be converted to a 5 star hotel with public piazza and theatre. Among the many benefits of this approach would be to maintain public access and protect the integrity of the building. Members wishing to support this alternative proposal should write to their local councillor, or sign the petition at www.38degrees.org.uk

Westminster Fire Station

5 Very sadly, and despite valiant community opposition, led by Artemis Kassi, Westminster Fire Station was forced to close in January of this year. Since then it has stood empty. The building was originally constructed in 1906, using red brick, with Portland stone dressings. It was given Grade II listing in 1987, for being "among the most accomplished examples of London County Council civic architecture" of the period, and "a handsome and skilful interpretation of the c1700 English Baroque style". Firefighters from the station were in the front line of rescue efforts during The Blitz, and more recently were among the first responders at major incidents including the 7/7 bombings, the collapse of the Apollo Theatre roof, and the helicopter crash in Vauxhall. Although the battle to save it as a fire station appears to be lost, some of the arguments against closure do bear repeating: - It is, as Boris Johnson himself acknowledges, highly likely that will suffer further terrorist attacks. This time, with a depleted fire service. - Annual station running costs were £1.5m per annum. The proposed 'Garden Bridge' ʹ albeit a wonderful idea ʹ will cost £150m - South Westminster houses many of the nation's most significant buildings including those, like , that cannot have sprinkler systems - Our nearest fire stations now are Soho, Lambeth and Chelsea. Chelsea is likely to be relocated as part of the Crossrail development, and Lambeth fire station is also earmarked for relocation. During the many road events in this part of London, bridges are often closed, which reduces the river crossing points for Lambeth fire crews. The goal now, is to have the fire station designated as an Asset of Community Value. This designation has previously been applied to many of London's former pubs, and has already been given to Clerkenwell fire station; given the credentials outlined above, it would seem that Westminster Fire Station has a strong case. However, a decision was expected by early August 2014, and has not yet been given. Meanwhile, the building's freehold is up for sale, and it is unclear whether the application will be considered in isolation, and on its own merits, or up against an offer of hard cash from some swanky restaurateur! Did you know? London fire brigades were originally operated by individual insurers, to protect their own subscribers. Five of Land Securities' top properties are located in Victoria. Something for their insurers to consider?

TAKE ACTION: The campaign continues. You can still sign the petition to protest against the fire station closure, at www.38degrees.org.uk Members are also encouraged to write to their local councillor, asking about the status of the application for use as an Asset of Community Value, and the likely response date.

Ergon House & 33 Horseferry Road

6 We are disappointed to note that Westminster Council has given planning permission for the redevelopment of 9 Millbank and Ergon House. This involves the complete demolition and replacement of Ergon House. The Thorney Island Society was consulted on the proposals in September 2013, and expressed serious reservations. These were confirmed in a very complete written opposition to the proposal, submitted at the end of November. Yet the Statement of Community Involvement included as part of the application and dated September 2013, states that "responses to the consultation suggest that there is broad support for the Applicant's proposal". The same document notes that 2000 households and businesses in the immediate area of the site received invitations to an exhibition of the proposals, but that only 50 people attended, of whom only 6 completed the feedback form. The feedback form can be viewed at the web address below, and I would commend it to any of our members interested in the art of leading questioning. It is hard to conclude, on the basis of the published documents, that there was a serious attempt to engage sufficiently large numbers of residents in this consultation. Since Westminster Council do not publish response documents online, it is also hard to see what responses were received, and whether or not these were taken into account; those of the Thorney Island Society certainly do not seem to have been so. But there is also a salutary lesson here; those of us who care for the preservation of Old Westminster must be vocal about our opinions, not only collectively, but also individually. Where 55 Broadway and Greycoat Place Fire Station are concerned, it is not too late to do that. http://idoxpa.westminster.gov.uk/online-applications/files/1B6345B76175A765C8C236D 874C7599A/pdf/13_09737_FULL-STATEMENT_OF_COMMUNITY_INVOLVEMENT_1_- 3191917.pdf NB ʹ Berkeley Homes state that they take public consultation very seriously, and that residents can continue to raise questions or concerns at www.millbankconsultation.co.uk

Plans have been submitted for redevelopment of the site at 33 Horseferry Road. Developers propose to replace Great Minster North, a 20-year old office building, with three 7 or 8 floor blocks comprising 160 residential units, ground floor retail and basement parking. Whilst the Society agrees that the current building is not much to be mourned, there are significant concerns about the proposed replacement, namely: Ergon House - The low percentage of affordable housing

- The scale of the building, which will noticeably reduce daylight to buildings on Horseferry Road and on Page Street. - The choice of materials Proposed See Page 1 for images of current and proposed replacement facades.

The birds of Vincent Square & Where do camels belong? 7 It is almost a year since I summer come winter ʹ they are always a wrote a bird report from my garden. Things joy to watch. There are still a lot of have come and things have gone, but alas blackbirds, who because of the lights the great spotted woodpecker, is not here around Vincent Square are awake very any longer. Perhaps because the first thing early; they must have shadows under their that happens in many London homes is eyes! The greenfinches have also just that the cat is let out of an evening. So flown. many people say, ͞My cat doesn͛t eat Redpolls made their appearance in birds!͟ I think David Attenborough would our garden, as did the common linnet. The be the first to disagree! Where are those beautiful goldfinches with the lovely red missing long tailed tits, song thrushes, and flashes seem to have taken up residence warblers? with us in significant numbers, and I do think I heard a white throat, according to the RSPB there is a which is great, and a friend from the area nationwide increase in goldfinch numbers, told me she had seen a Dartford warbler. I as well as those of blue tits and had to say it was doubtful. But there have greenfinches. There is, however, a marked been a couple of beautiful white doves lack of starlings. I suppose the starling͛s sitting on the window ledge, and lots of decline does not matter to us so much in wood pigeons too, though luckily not London, but travel down to the South West collared doves. I wonder where are the and you see clouds in fantastic tight nuthatches? formation rather like ͞The Red Arrows͟! It In July there were blue tits and is some incredible instinct that enables robins being fed. Then there was a group them to fly like that, without bumping into of goldfinches noisily feeding from the tree each other. In early August I saw on the other side of the garden. The robins goldfinches feeding their young, and then are just fledging and are fluttering finally, on August 3rd, the great spotted tentatively around the garden. Such lovely woodpecker came back. Hooray! cheeky, unafraid birds, with us come Veronica Morris

On September 29th, in the very pleasant setting of the Grange Wellington Hotel, we were entertained by an intriguing talk: ͞Where do Camels ďĞůŽŶŐ͍͟ After a three course fork buffet, and comfortably seated with glasses of wine in hand, we listened to Dr Ken Thompson explain the story and science of 'invasive species'. Dr Thompson revealed that the notion of ͚ŶĂƚŝǀĞ͛ fauna and flora is in most circumstances a bit of a myth, due to the millennia of variations in Britain including the Ice Ages, and separation at times from the continent. But really does it matter if a species is 'native' or 'alien'? What matters is its current relationship with its surroundings. Few only of the alien species succeed and few cause trouble. Good food for thought combined with that for the self, gave us a very enjoyable evening. Tom Ball

This was the first of the new season's talks, arranged by Pat Shroff. Details of future dinners can be found on the back page.

Other information & Diary dates

8 The Thorney Island Society is a voluntary amenity and civic society which came into being in 1985. It is concerned with the welfare of the physical environment of a widening area, sometimes referred to as the 'Westminster Village'. It organises visits and dinners, reviews planning applications and maintains a local archive. There are currently more than 400 members, and we would welcome even more. A membership form can be found on our website: www.thethorneyislandsociety.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1000751

Diary dates And finally͙ The Editor particularly regrets 2014 the addition of Yinka Shonibare's 27th Oct, Margaret Coombs, Gin Lane to Beer Wind Sculpture, to Howick Place. Street: Two Prints by Hogarth Less elegant than the planning 5th Nov, South London Botanical Institute drawings suggested, it also lacks 12th Nov, Annual General Meeting the wit of Shonibare's Nelson's 24th Nov, Susan Entwistle, Garden and Landscape Ship in a Bottle, which once Painting graced the fourth plinth, and 25th Nov, The Guards Museum, concert now belongs to the National 30th Nov, Steam Museum Maritime Museum. Perhaps the 8th Dec, The Magic Circle Experience NMM would swap! 10th Dec, Christmas Drinks Party 17th Dec, St. Bartholomew's Hospital 2015 Disclaimer 14th Jan, The Royal Institute of British Architecture While The Thorney Island Society 22nd Jan, The Methodist Central Hall is concerned that the views 26th Jan, Peter Guillery, The Survey of London and expressed in articles are relevant a history of Cavendish Square and honestly held by the 4th Feb, The Honourable Artillery Company contributor, the opinions stated 19th Feb, Inns of Court and City Yeomanry Museum by individuals may not 21st Feb, Musical tour of Westminster Abbey, with necessarily be held by The the Purcell Club Thorney Island Society Executive, 24th Mar, Archives which is not in a position to 31st Mar, London Central vouch for their accuracy.

To book, contact [email protected] for visits, or [email protected], for dinners. Printed by Firstpointprint 160-162 Road

If you have any comments about this newsletter, or would like to propose a story for the next edition, please contact the Editor: [email protected] or @ClareAnnamalai