Jonathan Metzer and Charlotte Gilmartin appeared on behalf of a local community group at the planning inquiry into a proposed development at 68-86 Farringdon Road, London.

The proposal is to knock down the existing NCP multi-storey car park and replace it with a large new hotel, retail and office complex. The issues in the case concerned whether the proposed mix of uses was contrary to planning policy, whether the design was unsympathetic to the local architectural context, whether the proposed delivery and servicing arrangements would have an impact on the safety of vehicles and pedestrians, and whether the development would have an impact on the amenity of local residents.

Jonathan and Charlotte appeared on behalf of the Catherine Griffiths and Clerkenwell Community Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, who had Rule 6 status. They led evidence from two expert witnesses and two lay witnesses. They acted pro bono through the Environmental Law Foundation, on the instruction of Emma Montlake. The inquiry lasted 7 days.

The Appellant was represented by Douglas Edwards QC and the London Borough of Islington was represented by Ned Westaway, both of Francis Taylor Building.

The Inspector’s decision is not expected for several weeks.