Camden’s Black Cap saved from plans to redevelop as flats
Iconic London gay pub and cabaret venue the Black Cap has been saved from a drastic downsizing – after proposed redevelopments were rejected.
The pub, based in London’s Camden area was built in 1889, and is one of London’s oldest continually operating LGBT venues, after it became popular with gay men in the 1960s.
However, developers had lodged proposals that would see the first, second and third floor of the pub’s building turned into three flats – forcing the venue to downsize dramatically.
After a wave of objections to the proposals – many of them citing the pub’s unique importance to the LGBT community – plans for redevelopment were finally rejected by Camden Council’s Development Control Committee on Thursday.
Camden Council leader Sarah Hayward attended the meeting to speak against the plan, hailing the pub as a “vital asset for a community that still sadly suffers discrimination”.
Nigel Harris of Camden LGBT Forum said: “Thanks to everyone who has supported our community’s objection to granting planning permission to turn our legendary Black Cap into flats! Permission denied.
“Democracy and community prevails. Well done Camden!”
Benali Hamdashe, the chair of the Green Party LGBTIQ, said: “Glad that Black Cap has been saved. Well done Camden Council for rejecting proposals. Other councils not done enough to protect LGBT venues.”
Tom Copley, a member of the London Assembly, tweeted: “Delighted that Camden’s planning cttee has rejected plans to turn part of Black Cap into flats. It’s an historic venue that need protecting.”
The pub was last year declined Asset of Community Value status, because it apparently did not “meet specific criteria required.”
