6th July 2020

Westminster Coroner’s Court Planning Application Reference RN(s): 20/01252/COFUL 20/01253/COLB Vincent Square

Dear Planning Committee Members, I am writing in response to the letters of objection to our proposals for Westminster Coroner’s Court, including statements of support for our design from a number of renowned critics and experts in the field of architecture. We would like to make these points in direct response to last minute comments made by the ward councillors today in advance of the committee meeting tomorrow evening:

• The scheme has been designed closely with, and is fully supported by the Coroner, and she states, in support of the application:

“The mortuary and court have been sited on the Horseferry Road since the 1880s, on land ceded for this particular use by the Duke of Westminster. The extension has been designed to provide the extra space that is urgently needed without touching the historical heart of the original building, instead sitting alongside it echoing its main features and facilitating its sense of peaceful reflection. The expansion will allow the Coroner’s Service to update its facilities but to continue serving the community from its proper home.” Professor Fiona Wilcox, 12th May 2020

• We do not believe that the design, that we have produced in consultation with Westminster City Council “diminishes its location”, and most importantly, neither does Historic England, nor do the design and conservation officer and case officer in Westminster’s planning department.

• We have worked with KM Heritage to produce a detailed heritage report, the quality of which has not been questioned by the experts that we have consulted with, i.e. Historic England and WCC Planning Department.

• A previous scheme for the site, by TS Design Group, for a two-storey extension, copying the Victorian brick detailing in the west courtyard, was submitted for pre- application advice to Westminster City Council planning department in 2012. This design was considered detrimental to the setting of the listed building, and unacceptable in design terms, and was not taken further.

• Lynch Architects were appointed in 2016, following a competitive tendering and interview process, initially to undertake design studies and to commence a pre-application process. Following the success of this process of consultation with Westminster planners and Historic England, Lynch Architects were then appointed to provide full design services in October 2019.

• The objections by the Victorian Society and TIS have been carefully examined by the planning case officers in the Sub committee report 20_01252_COFUL-SUB_COMMITTEE_REPORT-6487193 on the planning portal reference 20/01252/COFU . The planning department write:

“In response, it is acknowledged that the extension conceals a large extent of the western elevation, though it is retained. Historically the western side of the site was largely concealed by neighbouring development, evidence that it is a secondary facade that was never intended to be as visually prominent. The glazed link has been set back further to increase the visual separation between the old and new buildings which in turn allows more of the western facade to be viewed. In terms of its height, the apex of the vaulted roof sits in line with the cornice of the listed building and is not considered to compete with or visually overwhelm the listed building. The suggestion of having a flat roof would greatly diminish the architectural quality of the extension and its interior, which is of a fitting scale for the building’s civic standing. The northern facade has been intentionally designed to be visually quiet and unadorned with the attention diverted to stained glazed panels of the link, designed by distinguished Artist Brian Clarke.

Setting the building back further as suggested would compromise the usability of the internal space, whilst extending further to the west has been avoided in order to provide an external space for users of the building for quiet reflection and tranquillity. Both Societies also object to the materials used on the extension, however they are considered acceptable as detailed in this assessment. The extension provides a well-considered, distinguished piece of architecture that is fitting for a prominent civic building of this status. The impact upon the host listed building is less than substantial but justified by the wider benefits of the scheme. Subject to securing the intended materials, the scheme is supported on design grounds.”

• This application is not a major application. It is a small extension to the Coroner’s Court (125m2 GIA plus a 42m2 basement plant room) to enable the building to function sufficiently for the staff to carry out their vital work. It is not comparable to major residential or commercial hotel developments.

• The environmental health officer Kevin Mutimer initially objected to the

application initially due to lack of information regarding plant location. This information was subsequently submitted by Max Fordham, the M&E engineers, and on 12th March Mr Mutimer responded confirming: “Yes that report appears to be fine. I will recommend to the planner that the application is conditioned

to require a pre-installation report when actual plant and location are known.” Thereafter his objection was withdrawn, and there is no objection to support.

• With regards to the environmental design of the building, this has been carefully designed a team of mechanical and services engineers and acousticians at Max Fordhams to propose a green, energy efficient building that provides excellent accommodation to meet the acoustic and ventilation requirements for such an important building in a busy London neighbourhood.

• Support for the architectural merit and quality of the design, and our

credentials and approach in general, is held not only by the case officers and Historic England, but also by several notable architecture critics (quoted below):

“Lynch Architects’ design for Westminster Coroner’s Court extension is intelligent, articulate, accessible and elegant. In echoing the barrel-vaulted form of the old court they have ensured that the second chamber is equal in space and status to the original room. That room is clearly expressed in its exterior form, which also distinguishes it from the historic original building so that there is no attempt to conflate Victorian and modern. The Garden of Remembrance is similarly austere but dignified, a much-needed space of contemplation with an echo of Edwardian Baroque in its forms and, perhaps, a nod to Edwin Lutyens whose building rears up behind. Patrick Lynch is a sophisticated and subtle designer with great knowledge of Victoria where he had built extensively and impressively. He has a PhD, and is a fine writer and student of the history and philosophy and architecture. I commend this design and the practice wholeheartedly.” Edwin Heathcote, architect and author, architecture critic of The Financial Times, 6th July 2020 “I write in support of the above application. I believe it to be a proposal of considerable care, thoughtfulness and skill by an architect who has shown these qualities in a number of previous works. The task is to enlarge an existing building of some charm and delicacy. Its design has to reflect the public importance of the building’s role and to combine public access with security requirements. It does this in a context – Horseferry Road – where there are multiple architectural styles and scales of building. A robust approach is therefore appropriate, a conformist one is not. The design respects the integrity of the original building, allowing it to be read as its original architects intended. The relationship is complementary rather than imitative or confrontational. The extension is deferential to the existing, by keeping its height below that the latter’s eaves, and echoes the semi-circles of

the arches and bay window with its vault. It fits in nicely with the stepping-down in scale from the larger building to the left. The materials and finishes reflect alternating patterns of pale stone and red brick to be found along the street. The banding of the new work continues the striations of the existing building, and there is a subtle echo of the semi-circular gable with the arched niche in the garden. The architect has chosen to balance the solid form of the extension with the welcoming recess of the garden. This is an intelligent response to the issues of security and access. I do not believe that the design would be improved by the removal of the barrel vault or by stepping it back. These measures would only weaken the overall ensemble. I am architecture critic of The Observer. I have written on the architecture and planning of London in my book Slow Burn City, published by Picador in 2016. In 2018 I received an honorary doctorate from the University of East Anglia and an award for Outstanding Contribution to Urban Design from the Urban Design Group. In 2019 I received an Award for Urban Design from the Westminster Society. I frequently find myself opposing inappropriate planning applications. On this occasion, however, I feel strongly that the application should be approved.” Rowan Moore, architect and author, architecture critic for The Observer, 6th July 2020 “I am writing to offer my enthusiastic support for the proposed extension of Westminster Coroner’s Court. I know the project well having featured it in Congregation, a major exhibition that the Architecture Foundation staged earlier this year focussed on the design of new buildings that served a spiritual purpose. The beautiful memorial garden that Lynch Architects have already realised at the site was rightly chosen as one of the highlights of the exhibition by the Financial Times’ architecture critic, Edwin Heathcote. He wrote: ‘If this is a story about how sacred space can supplement and enrich everyday life, perhaps Lynch Architects’ Garden of Remembrance at the Westminster Coroner’s Court is the most compelling. A small civic space punctuated by Edwin Lutyens-influenced fountains and features, it is a rare delight and a pointer to how space can be imbued with the sacred without becoming explicit or exclusionary.’ The proposed extension of the building promises to be an equally sensitive addition to the site, demonstrating the care for craft and architectural decorum for which Lynch Architects’ work is renowned. The practice has had a longstanding involvement with Westminster, and in Kingsgate and The Zig Zag Building on Victoria Street has delivered two of the most architecturally distinguished new buildings in the borough. The practice has a particularly thoughtful approach to the integration of new buildings into historic contexts and the project for Westminster Coroner’s

Court is clearly a product of that sensitivity. It promises to be appropriately monumental while maintaining the older building’s primary role within the overall composition and without recourse to pastiche, establishes a family likeness with its neighbour. Its barrel vault roof establishes a subtle relationship to the older building’s bay window while the striated masonry gently echoes the original structure’s more graphic brick and stone banding. The contribution by the internationally recognised stained-glass artist Brian Clarke will introduce a note of colour to the new building’s austere but richly materialised elevations. New public buildings of this quality are all too rare. I very much hope the Council will support the application.” Ellis Woodman, architecture critic and director of The Architecture Foundation, 6th July 2020 “Lynch Architects has earned the greatest respect among its architectural peers. This is because of a deep understanding of history that isn’t wasted on cheap pastiche but used for a contemporary and historically informed, sensitive layering that enriches historic sites. Lynch Architects work in Westminster has been first class.” Rob Bevan, planner and author, architecture critic for The Evening Standard, 6th July 2020 “I am writing to register my support for the extension to Westminster Coroners' Court, designed by Lynch Architects. The proposed building is a remarkable and inventive work of architecture, which responds subtly to both its built context, and to the needs of users who will typically encounter this building in difficult circumstances. As the editor of an architectural magazine I see many new buildings, and can say with confidence that the proposal shows unusual care and depth of thought, and if approved will be an important and worthy addition to the townscape of Westminster. The proposal addresses a quandary that architects often face: how to add to notable existing buildings in ways that do not undermine their integrity, or otherwise detract from them. Many of the approaches preferred in recent years now seem crude and ill-judged. (These include additions that make deliberately jarring contrasts; glass slots that try to pretend that the new does now really touch the old; or facsimile reproductions of the original building, which obscure both the building's original form and its subsequent history). At Westminster Coroner's Court, Lynch Architects has adopted a more considered and respectful approach. The extension is evidently subservient to the original building, and does not compete for the viewer's attention in its height, form, colour or decoration. At the same time the choice of materials and composition of the elevations is closely and clearly informed by the existing building. And perhaps most importantly, the proposed extension recognises that the new building will exist in the city, and should have the character and durable material qualities befitting an addition to this location. The building is contemporary but alludes to architectural history (some suggestion of the

Church of Santa Maria dei Miracol is perhaps evident) - an appropriate combination for an institutional building in a borough that is both forward- looking and enriched by its long history. There is much more I might say about the qualities of this proposal - from the proposed landscaping to the small, important details of witness waiting areas - but will only add that this is clearly a design which has been conceived and developed holistically. The architect has moved its many parts forward in concert, constantly checking each against concerns for this special and sensitive part of the city, and for the smooth operation of the court - often said to be among the most complex architectural briefs - and to mitigate the distress of many who will come before it. This has been resolved into a coherent whole - form, exterior expression, interior arrangement, materials, light and artworks. As such, it would be a mistake to think that aspects of the design could be called into question in isolation from the others. Very few buildings in London are built to last in the way that this one would be, and very few show the same degree of care in every aspect, from their planning and material use to their consideration of local and architectural history. The buildings that Londoners enjoy are hugely diverse, but usually have a distinct character and share a similar commitment to doing things well. The vast majority of new buildings lack these qualities and command no such interest or affection. Where efforts are made in our own time to make buildings with that potential, we should support them.” Chris Foges, editor of Architecture Today, 6th July 2020 “I have noted Lynch Architects development of the design of the Coroners Court scheme over the last two years. He has informed this process with carefully considered historical and contextual factors, and with a thoroughly civil architectural imagination. These are the same ingredients that informed the practice's international award-winning Kingsgate and Zig Zag buildings in Victoria, whose forms, materials, and attention to fine detail and public art are acutely place-sensitive. This approach is entirely in keeping with a practice that directs and publishes the Journal of Civic Architecture. I would commend the design of the Coroners Court for it's elegantly composed, well-imagined form and the logic of its functionality. This scheme will produce a building that radiates a distinct but essentially calm presence, an appropriate degree of gravitas. The design is striking, but there is nothing in it that is in the least startling or controversial. I would, with great respect, suggest that Historic England's approval of the scheme is an extremely significant indicator of the architectural and place-sensitive quality of the design. But, of course, many buildings that are now regarded as being of considerable architectural and urban quality were criticised for being in some way strange or out of place. Today, buildings such as Goldfinger's Willow Road housing block, Sir James Stirling's No. 1 Poultry, Tony Fretton's Red House, and Sir Edwin Lutyens' Pimlico housing blocks are widely cited as superbly original, and fitting, additions to London's urban and cultural fabric.

I believe that Lynch Architects design of the Coroners Court will be a notable addition to the best, and best-loved, buildings in the Borough.” Jay Merrick, author and critic for The Independent, Architects Journal, and Architectural Review, etc., 6th July 2020 In conclusion, I urge you to please absorb these responses to the objections to our design, and to and reflect upon these letters of support from the some of the most respected architecture critics in the UK, and to give this urgently needed public project the consideration and support that it requires. Yours Faithfully,

Dr Patrick Lynch BA Hons B-Arch M-Phil (Cantab) ARB PhD RIBA MRIAI Honorary Professor The University of Liverpool Director Lynch Architects

Rowan Moore 200 Jubilee Street London E1 3BP rowanwgmoore@gmail.com

Planning Applications Sub-committee Westminster City Council 6th July 2020 Dear Sir or Madam 65 Horseferry Road, SW1P 2ED Application numbers 20/01252/COFUL & 20/01253/COLBC I write in support of the above application. I believe it to be a proposal of considerable care, thoughtfulness and skill by an architect who has shown these qualities a number of previous works. The task is to enlarge an existing building of some charm and delicacy. Its design has to reflect the public importance of the building’s role and to combine public access with security requirements. It does this in a context – Horseferry Road – where there are multiple architectural styles and scales of building. A robust approach is therefore appropriate, a conformist one is not. The design respects the integrity of the original building, allowing it to be read as its original architects intended. The relationship is complementary rather than imitative or confrontational. The extension is deferential to the existing, by keeping its height below that the latter’s eaves, and echoes the semi-circles of the arches and bay window with its vault. It fits in nicely with the stepping-down in scale from the larger building to the left. The materials and finishes reflect alternating patterns of pale stone and red brick to be found along the street. The banding of the new work continues the striations of the existing building, and there is a subtle echo of the semi-circular gable with the arched niche in the garden. The architect has chosen to balance the solid form of the extension with the welcoming recess of the garden. This is an intelligent response to the issues of security and access. I do not believe that the design would be improved by the removal of the barrel vault or by stepping it back. These measures would only weaken the overall ensemble. I am architecture critic of The Observer. I have written on the architecture and planning of London in my book Slow Burn City, published by Picador in 2016. In 2018 I received an honorary doctorate from the University of East Anglia and an award for Outstanding Contribution to Urban Design from the

Rowan Moore 200 Jubilee Street London E1 3BP rowanwgmoore@gmail.com

Urban Design Group. In 2019 I received an Award for Urban Design from the Westminster Society. I frequently find myself opposing inappropriate planning applications. On this occasion, however, I feel strongly that the application should be approved. Yours faithfully

Rowan Moore

Registered Address Howard Frank Ltd, Unicorn HouseStation Close, Hertfordshire EN6 1TLRegistered in England No. 02661352 Registered charity No. 1006361

The Architecture Foundation at RCALondon SW7 2EU /UKTelephone / 020 7186 0279 mail@architecturefoundation.org.ukwww.architecturefoundation.org.uk

6th July 2020

Westminster Coroner’s Court To whom it may concern,

I am writing to offer my enthusiastic support for the proposed extension of Westminster Coroner’s Court. I

know the project well having featured it in Congregation, a major exhibition that the Architecture Foundation

staged earlier this year focussed on the design of new buildings that served a spiritual purpose. The beautiful

memorial garden that Lynch Architects have already realised at the site was rightly chosen as one of the

highlights of the exhibition by the Financial Times’ architecture critic, Edwin Heathcote. He wrote:

‘If this is a story about how sacred space can supplement and enrich everyday life, perhaps Lynch Architects’

Garden of Remembrance at the Westminster Coroner’s Court is the most compelling. A small civic space

punctuated by Edwin Lutyens-influenced fountains and features, it is a rare delight and a pointer to how space

can be imbued with the sacred without becoming explicit or exclusionary.’

The proposed extension of the building promises to be an equally sensitive addition to the site, demonstrating

the care for craft and architectural decorum for which Lynch Architects’ work is renowned. The practice has

had a longstanding involvement with Westminster, and in Kingsgate and The Zig Zag building on Victoria Street

has delivered two of the most architecturally distinguished new buildings in the borough.

The practice has a particularly thoughtful approach to the integration of new buildings into historic contexts and

the project for Westminster Coroner’s Court is clearly a product of that sensitivity. It promises to be

appropriately monumental while maintaining the older building’s primary role within the overall composition

and without recourse to pastiche, establishes a family likeness with its neighbour. Its barrel vault roof

establishes a subtle relationship to the older building’s bay window while the striated masonry gently echoes the

original structure’s more graphic brick and stone banding. The contribution by the internationally recognised

stained-glass artist Brian Clarke will introduce a note of colour to the new building’s austere but richly

materialised elevations. New public buildings of this quality are all too rare. I very much hope the Council will

support the application.

Yours Sincerely

Ellis Woodman, Director of The Architecture Foundation