Building merchant Travis Perkins has hit out at Camden council after the local authority announced plans to demolish on of its stores for a luxury residential redevelopment.
The group’s property director, Martin Meech, has said that he is willing to take the dispute over the store on West End Lane, NW6, to court.
Travis Perkins has been at the site for more than 35 years, employing 30 people.
Meech said: “This is a straightforward argument about what makes good and sustainable planning and the importance of jobs and livelihoods. We are immensely frustrated that we cannot have a proper conversation about a mixed-use scheme which retains our store and also delivers the value uplift the council wants.
“By forcing us out, it appears to us that Camden council is prioritising short-term cash receipts over jobs, businesses and the overall sustainability of West Hampstead.”
Camden council is expected to enter into a contract with A2 Dominion as its preferred development partner for the site.
It is then expected to prepare and submit a planning application later this year, expected to try and maximise the site value through an intensive residential-led scheme.
