The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick MP has recovered an appeal concerning the future of the Dr Ambedkar Museum in North London. The museum is currently appealing against an enforcement notice issued by Camden Council, following their refusal of a retrospective planning application.
The MP said: “Given the exceptional importance of Dr Ambedkar in the story of the creation of modern India, and the lasting contribution of the British-Indian community on the shared cultural heritage of our country, I have decided to recover the appeal for determination by central Government.”
The decision to recover this appeal means that Central Government will decide the case based on a recommendation from an independent Inspector appointed by the Planning Inspectorate. The Inspector will oversee an Inquiry into the appeal, due to commence on 24 September, following which he will prepare a report and recommendation for Ministers.
The property on King Henry’s Road was converted into a museum dedicated to Dr Ambedkar who lived in the property while studying at the London School of Economics. Dr Ambedkar was the first law and justice minister in independent India and is described as the "principal architect" of India's constitution.
The museum was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. The building was bought by the government of Maharashtra. This decision has been recovered in line with policy on the recovery of planning appeals, as set out in a Written Ministerial Statement of June 2008. In line with propriety guidance, the Secretary of State will not take the final decision on this case.
