Inquiry opens into Holocaust memorial

THE PROPOSED site for a Holocaust memorial near Parliament would “engulf” a nearby monument dedicated to the emancipation of slavery, an inquiry has been told.

A Holocaust memorial and learning centre has been proposed for Victoria Tower Gardens, a small, triangular, Grade II listed park next to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

In February this year, Westminster City Council’s planning committee voted unanimously to reject allowing the memorial to be built at the park, saying it contravenes planning rules on size, design and location.

However, three months earlier in November, the Government “called in” the decision on the proposal, meaning it would decide whether the project should go ahead, rather than being determined by the council.

Opening a public inquiry into the matter yesterday, inspector David Morgan set out the main issues to be addressed, including the impact of the development on the Buxton Memorial, a drinking fountain at the park commemorating the abolition of slavery.

Speaking at the virtual inquiry, Douglas Edwards QC, representing Westminster City Council, said: “No right- thinking individual could question the desirability of appropriately memorialising the atrocities of the Holocaust and those who suffered as a result of it.

“But that is not the issue before this inquiry – what this inquiry is about is whether this memorial in this location is appropriate.”

While the council supported the delivery of a Holocaust memorial and learning centre, Mr Edwards said the application should be refused as it will “harm the significance of designated heritage assets”.

The inquiry is scheduled to take 20 days over five weeks, with the final decision to be made by Housing Minister Christopher Pincher.