LocalYokel

Reg Laxman's application for Lawful Development was refused.

I have mixed feelings about the White Gothic House. There are two issues. 1. One condition of planning consent was refurbishment of Concrete House. Like SimonM I feel that the people who purchased the flats should have been advised about the planning conditions attached and therefore known the risks. Maybe the responsibility for refurbishing the Concrete House was passed on to them as a condition of sale (likely given comments re service charge), or maybe Mr Laxman assured them that their monies would be used to fund the refurbishment. I do not know, but they decided to go ahead with the purchase anyway. Caveat Emptor! 2. Having looked at the plans, it would seem that the actual plot is about 2m smaller than originally drawn, while the gap between the two buildings is about 60cm less than it should be. This could be a breach of fire regs. I'm not qualified to say whether this warrants demolition. Personally I think that the GWH is far too close to the Concrete House and should never have been built there as it adversely affects the environment of what was once a lovely Grade II listed property. However, that is a moot point since planning consent was granted.

Sorry to exaggerate - White Gothic House may not be in immediate risk of being demolished, but that could be the eventual outcome if Lawful Development Certificate is denied.

Those looking for pictures of the house in happier times (and some background) should read this article by Heritage of London (who will be responsible for refurbishing it once the CPO is formally approved) On another point, one Mr Reg Laxman is currently applying for a Lawful Development Certificate for the White Gothic House to avoid it being demolished. Mr Laxman is the sole director of Arbus Ltd which was prosecuted by Wandsworth council for the unlawful demolition of Brtandelhow caretaker's house (another listed, concrete building). Any objections need to be submitted by this Friday.