AIR Studios began its long and prestigious history in 1969 when Sir George Martin left EMI to establish an independent recording complex in the heart of central London. It became one of the most successful studio operations in the world.
In 1992 AIR Studios relocated to the beautiful Lyndhurst Hall on the corner of Rosslyn Hill and Lyndhurst Road and called it Air Lyndhurst. You will remember that the site was derelict for some time and there was a substantial makeover of this building by Air Studios which regenerated this corner of Hampstead and brought life and glamour to the local area.
When Sir George retired in 2006 AIR was bought by Richard Boote and is now run by Richard and his business partner Paul Woolf.
Since its opening AIR has continued to be Britain’s premier scoring facility attracting some of the world’s biggest movies scores, as well as maintaining its popularity with major classical labels and high profile recording artists. Many major film scores including the following have been recorded here: Interstellar, Grand Budapest Hotel, Cinderella, The Hunger Games (1, 2, & 3) and artists such as Coldplay, Muse, Sir Paul McCartney, George Michael are regulars too.
Next door to this building is a residence, hardly seen by passers-by, which is wedged by the side of Air Studios. The owners have applied for planning permission for major redevelopment which involves a substantial basement under most of this imposing site.
The first planning application can be found here:
http://tinyurl.com/oqzskzo
The second planning application is not yet up on Camden's website.
The problem with this development is that it may close the business of Air Studios for the following reasons:
1. As a recording studio it is extremely noise sensitive and if work of this nature and length were to be granted the go ahead it would render the studios inoperable for a long period of time.
2. This would not only result in loss of earnings for the company but would affect many musicians and orchestras, film companies etc as there are not enough alternate facilities available in London or the UK.
3. The structural risk is serious. The basement, whose construction would devastate the site, is far too big, and would not be acceptable under the Draft Local Plan now out for consultation. There are precedents for Draft Plans to be used in determining applications, especially in relation to listed buildings.
4. The Basement Impact Assessment states that damage to adjoining buildings would be no more than Burland Scale 2. This is too much, with unequal listed buildings on each side; one dating from the 18th Century, no doubt of rustic character, the other of late 19th Century, carrying a huge load. We cannot afford to see either damaged in any way.
5. Lack of compliance with proper process and also the risk attendant with the underground stream.
6. As yet there has been no consultation and no compliance with the Party Wall Act.
They have letters of support from the MU, BFC as well as from major Hollywood composers like David Arnold and Hans Zimmer. The purpose of this petition is to let the people of Hampstead have their say.
It seems to me that there is a point of philosophy here to be explored which is, to what extent should a development be allowed if it will seriously and deleteriously impact the livelihood and success of a business such as a recording studios which brings not only revenues to our local authority but also kudos to our area.
It is undoubtedly an enhancement of Hampstead for the Studios to be here. But they have told me that they will have to close for 6 - 12 months if not longer if the development gets the go ahead and they may never re-open.
This seems to me to be unjust and I would invite you to record your agreement by signing the petition.
I will continue to download and deliver the petition to the addressees on various dates as we hit various milestones with signatures. Please keep signing the petition until we get a result on this application. I will keep you informed of progress throughout.
Thank you.
Jessica Learmond-Criqui
