Dear Betjeman Society Member
Having just sent one email update to you I now must send another because, today, Network Rail has resubmitted their planning application to redevelop Liverpool Street Station and the Great Eastern Hotel surroundings, with very little alteration to the last application they submitted. They have completely disregarded the negative publicity and adverse comments from architects and planners, journalists and conservation groups, and worse still the petition signed thus far by 23,336 people. Perhaps Network Rail hoped that we would go away, but actually this makes us all the more determined.
To remind you: The Betjeman Society is a member of LISSCA – Liverpool Street Station Campaign, which is the title of the group John Betjeman was a key member of that prevented demolition of the Station in the mid 1970s. Headed up by The Victorian Society (of which JB was a founder member too) the fight against this unneeded development must continue. Part of the LISSCA press release going out tomorrow contains:
‘LISSCA state that the planning application is as bad as the plans previously consulted on. The thrust of the application is unchanged and is therefore totally unacceptable. The new tower would set a terrible precedent for the treatment of listed buildings, conservation areas, Network Rail’s care for London’s great termini and views of St Paul’s Cathedral.
The public outcry against these plans has not caused Network Rail and Sellar to rethink the controversial plans. So far 23,336 people have signed a petition against the plans and £10,342 or 25% of its target has been raised on the LISSCA fundraiser to cover legal fees to fight the plans.
LISSCA will ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, to ‘call in’ plans and make the decision himself.
The plans by Network Rail, developer Sellar and rail network operator MTR will demolish much of the listed sympathetic 20th century trainshed which closely matches the Victorian original, severing the link between the two listed Victorian buildings, and cantilevering a 21-storey tower above the hotel and station. This is unprecedented over a Grade II* listed building.’
Given the position adopted by Network Rail LISSCA will press the Secretary of State to make the decision himself. Sadly it seems that Network Rail continues to forget it is accountable to the public. We hope too that a public meeting previously postponed will be arranged to establish further the weight of opposition. I will let you know about that too.
Steve Jackson
Chairman