Response to Doon Street decision

Somerset House before tower is built We are delighted that the Planning Inspector supported our advice that this scheme would cause serious damage to London’s most perfect 18th century space, the magnificent courtyard of Somerset House, as well as the iconic view of Whitehall seen from the bridge over the lake in St James’ Park.  The Inspector also agreed with us that the tower would overwhelm the grade ll* National Theatre and the setting of the grade l listed Royal Festival Hall.

Somerset House after tower is built We are therefore appalled to learn that the Secretary of State has not only overturned the advice of English Heritage as her expert advisors, but she has also chosen to decline the opinion of an independent Inspector.  English Heritage finds it incomprehensible that her reason for doing so was because she considered that community benefits outweigh harm to the historic environment as though one must be at the sacrifice of the other.  There are alternative options that would have provided the same community benefits but would have been more sensitive, without causing serious damage to historic buildings spaces and views.

Obviously we do not consider this matter closed and we are considering our next steps and the options open to us.

For further information, please contact Helen Bowman English Heritage Corporate Communications, 0207 973 3294 or helen.bowman@english–heritage.org.uk

20 August 2008