Television historian Dan Cruikshank has stepped in to prevent the redevelopment of the oldest building in Goodge Street.
The architectural expert said the planning scheme for the historic Georgian terrace is “unacceptable” and would mean the loss of vital clues to the lives of 18th-century Londoners.
Mr Cruikshank wrote to English Heritage questioning its original decision not to list 1-3 Goodge Street after learning that its inspectors had not been granted access to the interior of the building on health and safety grounds.
As a result Camden council has deferred a planning decision and English Heritage is now reconsidering the listing status. The property is currently empty but under plans submitted by architect Rolfe Judd the inside — including a staircase, cornices, panelled door frames and fireplaces — would be ripped out to make room for nine apartments. The frontage would remain. But Mr Cruikshank said that preserving the exterior of the building is not enough.
“The interior of a building can teach us more about how people lived. I’m not saying English Heritage have got it wrong but I’m just glad that they are looking at their decision again.”
Campaigners welcomed the step but warned that the streets around Fitzrovia are in danger of being turned into a “Disneyland”.
