EH chair says estate `fails as a place for human beings to live`. Read the statement; watch the videoEnglishHeritage has issued an extraordinary defence of its decision not torecommend Robin Hood Gardens for listing as the DCMS announced afurther two weeks of consultation on the issue.Stung by BD`srevelation that EH had failed to back the east London estate, itschairman Sandy Bruce-Lockhart claimed Robin Hood Gardens “fails as aplace for human beings to live - and did so from the start”. Headded that it attracted “little admiration” at the time it was built,adding: “It is only very recently that it seems to have found favour insome vocal quarters”. The comments are in stark contrast tothose of Cabe, which BD revealed today has backed a grade II listingfor the estate, which is described as “ground-breaking”. This will putfurther pressure on architecture minister Margaret Hodge, who will makethe final decision. Bruce-Lockhart`s comments, posted on the EHwebsite alongside a short film which also defends EH`s actions, wereaccompanied by a far more conciliatory statement from EH director ofplanning and development, Steven Bee, who conceded that, whatever thefinal outcome for Robin Hood Gardens, the success of the campaign hashelped to protect 20th century buildings. “Your voice can helpus ensure that appropriate protection for 20th century buildings is notundermined in future by the introduction of even stricter criteria,” hesaid. A spokesman for Margaret Hodge`s Department of CultureMedia & Sport, said that because of the "high level of interest" inthe case, it would provide a further two weeks of consultation on theissue."DCMS has received a request to disclose EnglishHeritage`s advice on the application to list Robin Hood Gardens Estateat grade II,” he said. “To ensure that all parties are consultedfairly, we are sending this advice to all those who have maderepresentations on the application, and providing you with theopportunity to make further comments." We believe this furtherconsultation is important given the high level of interest in thiscase... any comments must be submitted by 30 May. "After thatdate, we will seek further advice from English Heritage. The ministerwill then consider all the evidence and will make her decision. We willendeavour to complete the process by the end of June although cannotguarantee that it will not take longer ."
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