From: "secretary" Date: Tue, Mar 28, 2006, 12:32 pm DEL BRENNER Regents Network Ken Bean NW Plans and Casework Government Office for London Riverwalk House 157-161 Millbank London SW1P 4RR 28th March 2006 Dear Ken Bean KINGS CROSS DEVELOPMENT CALL-IN? Planning Applications to the London Borough of Camden for The Kings Cross Central (Kings Cross Railway Lands) We are very concerned about the recent consent for the outline planning application for the Kings Cross Central Development. There are a number of issues on which a challenge could be made, including procedural matters. Apart from the abrupt and inept way the Camden Planning Sub Committee meeting was chaired, we think that because of the size and complexity of the redevelopment proposals, there was insufficient attention given to the reams of pages of information and the hundreds of details, and the applications were not given adequate scrutiny. There were a number of questions raised on a variety of issues - the inadequate provision of affordable housing, displacement of sustainable communities, the lack of open space, ill-defined parking provision, uncertain education requirements, the low level of renewable energy sources, what value is put on heritage, the impact of such a huge development, demolition contrary to conservation area legislation and so on. These issues were mentioned, but they were not investigated in detail and there was no close examination of any one of them. As far as testing any important issue by cross-examination, this could not be considered as there was so little time to deal with the huge development proposal. Then there was the matter of the mega casino which was slipped in at the last minute with very little detail and certainly no consultation. This has caused huge worries. The way in which this one issue was dealt with warrants a challenge to the development scheme. The deputations from the residents, public and stakeholders were gven short shrift. A number of people, including the representative from the Regents Canal CAAC, were debarred from speaking. The community made a significant impression, but most of what was said was not taken into account. Apart from the lack of time allocated to revealing and understanding the vast range of issues raised, we consider that the attitude to the community involvement was dismissive. There is huge amount of knowledge, experience and expertise out there, and the democratic process must recognise this and be wise enough to engage with it. There was certainly no suggestion that we should all work together, and that our combined efforts might be needed to handle this large and complex project. The voting at the conclusion of the meeting was a rushed and haphazard affair. Our main interest is the REGENTS CANAL, and we think the impact of the development on the waterway will be detrimental. Nor has it taken into account the potential of London's waterways coming back to life, and the important economic contribution the canals and waterways can bring - waste and recyclates for instance. We know you are aware of the advantages of waterway transport. I attach our verbal deputation to the planning committee (rather than our lengthy written submissions). It is a bit general in parts and lacking detail, however most of the key points are covered . It served its purpose at the meeting as it attracted the attention of the committee. It was a bit late for them to take an interest, though. What we (the local community groups etc) want is for there to be a public inquiry on this huge and complex application, and for all the informaton and details to be revealed and understood. It will also enable us to make out a stronger case for some revisions to the scheme. We do not oppose the redevelopment, far from it, but the details must be correct. This development will not only have a significant effect on the local area, its impact will be felt far and wide. It is not an overstatement that it is of national importance that this scheme is right. A lost opportunity? Yours sincerely Del Brenner Regents Network and a member of the London Waterways Commission Local resident 20 Oval Road, Camden Town, London NW1 7DJ Tel: 020 7267 7105 secretary@regentsnetwork.org