• I AM a French national who has recently moved from Paris to live in Covent Garden.

I have been shocked to learn a huge development is being proposed to replace a former hotel, Selkirk House, on the corner of Museum Street, an important approach to the British Museum.

My first reaction was of total disbelief as permission would never be granted for a structure of this magnitude in the middle of Paris. All French people are proud of our beautiful capital, which is highly protected and has a strong cultural heritage.

This huge, speculative, office enterprise will be offensive to anyone who takes pride in their city as it completely disregards the need to preserve the heritage of one of the most historic parts of central London. Residents and visitors alike will be subjected to horrendous views.

For the millions of international visitors who come to London to visit the British Museum and the tranquil squares of Bloomsbury, this tower will kill the character of an area which represents traditional London at its best.

The architects also propose to demolish the interiors of a unique and charming Victorian block situated along Museum Street and adjoining streets, an early example of street planning and commercial activities behind a graceful exterior, with evidence remaining of the horse stables and small brewing activities.

This is cultural vandalism! Paris’ heritage is carefully protected, and it needs to be the case for London too.

A new consultation period of three weeks has now begun. Yet so far residents have not been fully informed. Spread the word to the residents, businesses and institutions that the area is under threat and needs to be protected for generations to come.

Object in writing to the Camden planning department now, ref 2021/2954/P

ERWAN TOULEMONDE, WC2