Conservation starter

I was delighted to read in AJ 24.07.08 of the success Eleanor Fawcett of Design for London has had in managing to get Newham Council to declare Sugar House Lane (pictured below) in Stratford, East London, a Conservation Area ('Stealthy conservation action saves Lea Valley gem'). She has recognised the social value of a collection of simple brick workshop buildings.

I remember discovering this industrial village when we at MBM Arquitectes were working on our urban design plan for Newham back in 1998, together with those working in the Three Mill Studios, who claimed the importance of having back-up workshops on their doorstep.

Perhaps the Lower Lea Valley can be saved for the future in spite of the planning for the 2012 London Olympics.

Well done, Eleanor Fawcett.

David Mackay, MBM Arquitectes, Barcelona