Councillors Matt Sanders (left) Rahel Bokth with photographer Jonathan Root outside the former piano factory

AN ICONIC factory that last year appeared saved from demolition is once again under threat.

The factory in Belmont Street, Chalk Farm, which is thought to have been used by piano makers Chappell and Co in the 1840s, could yet be knocked down – after developer Risetall Ltd lodged an appeal to its failed planning application.

The developer’s plan to demolish the building and erect a seven-storey block with 163 student rooms was rejected by Camden Council last Christmas Eve. Now an appeal hearing is set to begin on November 30.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Matt Sanders, member for Haverstock ward, who will represent residents at the hearing, said: “If demolition is allowed to go ahead, it will mean chaos for residents on Belmont Street and devastating environmental damage. It can’t be right to knock down a perfectly good building, booting out valuable local businesses in the process.”

Munitions boxes were made on the building’s ground floor during World War II, and the building is also thought to have been used to construct a British combat aircraft, the De Havilland Mosquito.

The site currently houses a number of businesses, with around 250 workers.

Councillor Sanders added: “We already have a large amount of student accommodation in Camden Town, and the replacement building is a shabby, architecture-by-numbers design that could be found anywhere in London. It’s so important that we protect what is special about our area.”