Wednesday 5 August 2009

Planning Permission update

After receiving 2 notices of planning applications for the back of this building and the one next door, the GR has decided we shall not be moved, and we shall take action. It seems everyone else in our block is of the same opinion. The poor boys over the hall returned from holiday to the letters of intent. 'If they want to build at the back, that is it for me, I move out.' he said in his sweet Brazilian accent.

The old boy who lives upstairs is very displeased to say the least, he won't admit how long he's lived here, but I swear he could be in his nineties. It takes him a good while to get up and down the stairs, his head bowed with purpose and a walking stick. He sorts out the daily post, taking it all up to his flat and then delivering it outside each particular flat door. 

So The GR has lodged a complaint with the council for both, and informed our managing agent that we are not happy. It just so happens that I used to freelance in the building directly behind, (a large design agency), and I still know the studio manager, so we are thinking of getting them to sign a letter / petition to the same effect as the building work would be right in front of their windows and eventually cut out their light source to some degree, not to mention the noise disturbance. 

We've decided to get on to local businesses  too, the corner shopkeeper over the road will no longer be able to park his car in the mews nor will several other people.

We have a mission, let's hope we can get our finger out and pull it off.

I hope we don't sound like terrible flies in the ointment. The buildings are owned by a very large and wealthy management company who have properties all over Covent Garden and Soho, we think they are taking advantage of the recession to stick another 3 flats onto existing properties for more income. The flat roofs at the back being prime location, but these are old buildings and not designed for mass living. They shake when a heavy vehicle goes by, I can't image construction work would make them happier.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think it's always tricky knowing what to do in these situations...but I think if you all fight together it's got to be a good thing.

Chic Mama said...

I've awarded you the Honest Scrap award. I hope you enjoy it. :0)

westendmum said...

@chicmama Thank you?!

Other nonsense

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