The owner sought permission in 2008 to demolish a 1970s building (a mix of offices, flats, a basement restaurant and garages) straddling Pond Place – Bury Walk) and replace it with three modern town houses; residents will remember the basement as the home of various restaurants over the years, beginning with Drakes and ending with Bowlers.

The houses were the subject of four planning applications over four years. In the earlier plans the townhouses were taller, with austere façades, and extensive roof terraces. Following a series of objections from us and residents, the plans were revised three times. As a result, the townhouses were lowered to a height similar to that of Granville House, their design had become more residential in appearance, and only one small roof terrace remained.