UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation

Written evidence submitted by Councillor Roger Robinson,
St Pancras and Somers Town Ward (UKCMRI 18)

As one of the ward councillors for St Pancras and Somers Town Ward in the borough of Camden I wish to render my views as to why I and many local residents opposed the UKCMRI development of a medical research centre on the land behind the British Library.

1. The original planning brief for that land was not for a 10 storey building however one appreciates the need for medical research – the land was designated for social housing predominantly.

2. We have no land left in Camden to build new housing to meet the needs of the 17,000 plus on the housing waiting list - there is to be social housing on the adjoining Kings Cross Development but not enough to meet the needs of those most vulnerable in our community; elderly, disabled and large families.

3. The national government are imposing massive cuts on the local authorities which means the closure of Age Concern centres such as Hill-Wood in my ward; of possible closure of play groups like Plot 10 also in my ward; and closure of Families in Focus etc plus libraries, youth centres, voluntary organisations etc and yet are partly funding the UKCMRI centre to the sum of £220 million while Camden Council are having to meet massive cuts in all its services.

4. We need that land for housing and leisure facilities like sitting out areas - Somers Town is heavily built up and deprived - to have huge buildings now taking away light form surrounding flats like the Ossulston estate is simply not acceptable.

5. The land itself is small and yet the existing medical research centre in Mill Hill is massive - why transfer to Euston?

6. There is fear of security risks from those groups that might demonstrate etc on the site due to their opposition to animal experiments.

7. The traffic flow will increase into adjacent streets like Purchese Street; Ossulston Street, Midland Road etc.

8. There is probable loss of light to the estates nearby like Coopers Lane estate; Ossulston estate (Levita House and others).

9. I have an interest as a ward councillor representing the area of St Pancras and Somers Town.

 I therefore oppose this development. Camden Council’s Development Control Committee approved it despite local opposition and they were told that if the council did not approve it then there was no doubt that the Mayor of London would.

I am concerned deeply - I have made the points regarding the massive sum allocated by this Government to it whilst massively cutting back on funding for local facilities and organisations. It is simply not what one expects from local or national government.

I hope the Science and Technology Committee will accept my views.

Councillor Roger Robinson

St Pancras and Somers Town Ward

13 January 2011