‘Lobbying’ twist in Holborn Studios saga after demolition plans given go-ahead

Holborn Studios. Photograph: Ian Shacklock

A bizarre row over alleged lobbying of members of the council’s planning sub-committee has blown up after developers’ plans to demolish canalside buildings in Hoxton to make way for new apartments was given the nod.

Billy McCartney of photographic company Holborn Studios, which has played host to stars including Kate Moss, said he lobbied all six councillors on the sub-committee but that none declared this or excused themselves from the decision-making process.

He has asked the council to investigate the matter, citing a letter he sent by recorded delivery to all of the six councillors in October 2015.

In his letter he protested at the “wanton destruction” of the buildings and said Helmut Newton had described Holborn Studios as the “Abbey Road of photography”.

The council confirmed to Mr McCartney that it had passed his letter onto at least one councillor, Christopher Kennedy, but warned him: “In future please note that you should refrain from writing directly to a member of the planning sub-committee as this is deemed to be lobbying and is against council’s procedures.”

However, head of commercial legal services, Patricia Narebor, has now said members of the committee “do not recollect receiving the letter” and that “letters of this nature are generally disregarded or disposed of”.