A housing association, Genesis Housing, has apparently started work on demolishing the Edwardian Duke of Wellington pub on Acre Lane, despite 30 outstanding issues with Lambeth Council and residents which were to be resolved before work could begin. The Acre Lane Residents Association (ALRA) has stepped up their campaign to stop the work, which they claim is being carried out so aggressively that neighbours’ homes are being damaged in the process. In reaction to scaffolding being erected on the building earlier in the week, the words ‘No to Genesis demolition!’ were emblazoned across the building yesterday.
The following summary was sent by the ALRA committee to Chuka Umunna MP on June 23:
- Genesis Housing had received planning permission to build on the Fulham Timber Yard site and Edwardian building of the Prince of Wales pub on Acre Lane.
- The decision was resolved pending 30 outstanding issues for their consultation with Lambeth Council and affected neighbours before work could begin.
- These have been utterly ignored and aggressive demolition has begun in force this week.
- This not only totally ignores the agreed arrangement between the council and the neighbours backing onto this issues, but importantly also breaks the law within party wall agreement.
- This work is officially illegal
- Neighbours are absolutely at the end of their tether; incredibly upset and angry. A corporation called Genesis, without any care or consideration whatsoever, is literally beginning to destroy their homes.
- For example, just a couple of lines from residents on the Acre Lane residents website today:
“Whilst I appreciate emails saying that various people are being informed YOU HAVE TAKEN NO ACTUAL ACTION TO PROTECT US.”
“I’ve just got home to find rubble in my back garden and the vines ripped of my back wall (see pictures attached).I was not notified that this work would be done”
“I’m a Labour Party Member and a proud resident of Brixton and have been for 10 years plus yet I doubt I have been more ashamed than now. Co-operative Council? Only if you are Genesis Housing Corp”
- Quote from Paul McGlone today;
“I spoke to Sue Foster less than an hour ago and she was clear Genesis had no right to begin demolition on the site. I know action is being taken as we speak to try and stop them.”
- Quote from Diane Morris, Chair of Planning Committee today
“Given that the boundary treatment is the subject of a pre-commencement condition, I think that any demolition of the boundary walls themselves would also be a cause of concern.”
- Despite numerous mails, Steve Reed has done nothing, said nothing, not a single reply to anyone.
Photo: Charlotte Wiig
What a disaster – a real gem of an Arts and Crafts pub. Notification to local residents about potential planning applications is wholly inadequate and needs to change. Why isn’t the neigbourhood leafleted beforehand? The urban landscape is going to be much the poorer without this aesthetic landmark. Why couldn’t Genesis use the pub as a grand entrance to their development – phillistines! I feel like picketing their HQ or stand beneath the hording surrounding the pub to complain. What are our local councillors doing? Lambeth as a co-operative council is a sham!
I grew up there in the 80s/early 90s and have just stumbled upon this. Very sad news.
[…] The charming Edwardian facade is now hidden behind plastic sheeting as demolition takes place – a process that has caused some concern amongst local residents. […]
Very sad, this was a beautiful pub and had many delicious and precious internal features, let alone the intricate tile work on the exterior.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=172+Acre+Lane,+Lambeth&hl=en&ll=51.459729,-0.126472&spn=0.013985,0.04931&sll=51.459740,-0.126420&sspn=0.006295,0.006295&layer=c&cbp=13,328.64,,0,-13.62&cbll=51.459719,-0.126303&z=15&panoid=CfeBIKTb2chb_FidraDMhA
All drearily familiar