The Brunswick Centre, a Grade II listed megastructure in Russell Square, WC1, is seeking court approval for a certificate of lawful use for retail units in the building.
Built in 1972, the mixed-use building was best known as housing estate and the home of the Renoir arthouse cinema until its 2003 redevelopment. Post-refurbishment, the cinema remains, as do the 560 flats. Two levels of mostly disused shopping units have been replaced with high-end stores and a supermarket.
According to court papers, the 2003 planning permission allows up to 40% of the retail floor space, excluding the supermarket, to be used for the old A2-A3 planning classes. The owner of the Brunswick Centre has been seeking a certificate of lawful use bringing much of the site within Class E, a wider classification.
The application was refused by a planning inspector, however in a ruling today, High Court judge Mr Justice Lane said it was “arguable” the planning inspector had misinterpreted one of the 2003 planning conditions.
He gave the owners permission to appeal the decision at the High Court.
Lazari Properties 2 Ltd v the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
and the London Borough of Camden
Planning Court (Lane J) 21 February 2023
