Concerns raised over musician David Gray's plans for iconic studios (From Haringey Independent)

Concerns raised over musician David Gray's plans for iconic studios in Crouch End

4:37pm Tuesday 21st August 2012 in News By Bruce Thain

A musician planning to convert iconic recording studios in Crouch End into flats has upset people living in the area.

The platinum selling artist David Gray, 44, famous for his song Babylon, owns The Church Studios in Crouch Hill, Crouch End, and has announced plans to turn the studios into flats and offices.

However the plans have upset people living in the area who are concerned about the proposed changes to the studios where musicians such as Radiohead, Bob Dylan and the Eurythmics have recorded.

Sue Hessel, of the Haslemere Road Residents Association said: “The studios are so important for the whole of Crouch End. They are part of the area’s heritage and it would be a great shame if they were to go.

“Property is such a currency now for people that the temptation is there for them to just cash in.

“But if we were to allow that to happen we would just end up living in a housing estate and we don’t want to lose something so special to Crouch End.

“I think they are such a treasure for the community and they are part of the spirit of the area. I understand the music industry has changed but musicians will always need studios and I just hope they don’t go.”

Matthew Belshaw, manager of Two Wheels Good bike shop next to the studios said: “It’ll be sad to see them go. We always see bands walking past.

“It will be a shame if the studios do go because the area will be losing a bit of its personality and having them here gives Crouch End a bit of character.”

A spokesman for the singer said: “Having owned and enjoyed the Church for nearly ten years, it is time to move on.

“David would be delighted to sell The Church studios as a going concern but given the current upheaval in the music business and the repercussions on commercial recording studios, it is only prudent to explore other avenues, including redevelopment.”

The studios were originally owned by Eurythmics star Dave Stewart who converted the church in 1984 and used the studios to finish the duo’s first album Sweet Dreams.

The final decision for the proposed redevelopment will be made by Haringey Council’s planning committee.