Hampstead hotel demolition plans approved

CAMDEN Council bosses last night approved plans for the complete demolition and rebuild of a three-storey block of flats on Fitzjohn s Avenue. The former Hampstead hotel was knocked down last year without consent from the council and the collapse of most

CAMDEN Council bosses last night approved plans for the complete demolition and rebuild of a three-storey block of flats on Fitzjohn's Avenue.

The former Hampstead hotel was knocked down last year without consent from the council and the collapse of most of the historic facade, which should have been preserved, provoked controversy among residents and conservationists.

Much of the front wall fell down in high winds, as it was not supported well enough. Developers have since applied for permission to knock down the building at numbers 3 to 7 and replace it with a state-of-the-art block of 22 flats.

The council approved the plans at a meeting at the Town Hall on condition the remaining facade is kept in tact and the new building is constructed in keeping with the distinctive character of the surrounding conservation area.

Developers must also contribute cash towards open spaces and education in the borough, provide affordable housing and an energy efficiency and carbon reduction plan.