Preserving Clerkenwell’s Heritage: The Case Against the Noodle Brat’s Extractor Installation

Dear CGPS Supporters

Clerkenwell Green Preservation Society (CGPS) is at the forefront of a significant challenge concerning the conservation of our area’s rich historical fabric. At the heart of this challenge is the recent planning application submitted by the Noodle Brat, a cafe located on the ground floor of the historically significant building at 53 Clerkenwell Close.

Noodle Brat’s proposal to install an electric commercial extractor machine poses a direct threat to the architectural integrity and aesthetic value of this Grade II listed building. Built in the late 1790s, the building not only exemplifies the unique character of the Clerkenwell Green Conservation Area but also serves as a living testament to our community’s historical roots.

One of the main concerns raised by the CGPS is the potential alteration of the building’s facade. The installation would require significant structural changes, including the placement of a grill and the modification of windows. Such alterations would irreversibly damage one of the few remaining 18th-century shop fronts in the area. Moreover, the precedent this sets could open the floodgates for further unsympathetic changes to other historic facades in Clerkenwell.

Beyond the physical modifications, the proposed extractor would release cooking smells and warm air into the streets, affecting both the residents living above and pedestrians in Clerkenwell Close. The impact on the immediate environment cannot be understated, with potential implications for the comfort and well-being of those who live and work in the vicinity.

Additionally, the historical significance of 53 Clerkenwell Close extends to its literary connections. Charles Dickens, in his novel “Oliver Twist,” mentions a narrow court near Clerkenwell Green, believed to be a reference to this very location. The proposed changes threaten to disrupt this cultural link, severing a tangible connection to the works of one of Britain’s most celebrated authors.

CGPS is committed to safeguarding Clerkenwell’s historical and cultural heritage. We are not opposed to development per se but advocate for sensitive and appropriate changes that respect the area’s unique character. The proposed extractor installation by the Noodle Brat runs contrary to these principles.

We urge the Islington Council Planning Department to consider the broader implications of this planning application. Granting permission would not only alter the character of 53 Clerkenwell Close but also set a concerning precedent for future developments in our conservation area.

As a community, we stand united in our commitment to preserve the essence of Clerkenwell Green, ensuring it remains a vibrant, historically rich area for generations to come. The CGPS invites all concerned residents and supporters to voice their objections to the Islington Council before the submission deadline of 3rd December 2023. Together, we can make a difference in protecting the heritage that defines us.

With all good wishes

Ann

Mrs. A.M.F. Pembroke, B.E.M., OSt.J.,
Founder/Director,
Clerkenwell Green Preservation Society Ltd. (a non political, non profit-making local amenity company no. 4353031, run by Volunteers)

Registered Office:

The Penthouse,
42 Clerkenwell Green,
London EC1R 0DU.

Telephone: 0207 490 2000