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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 15 June 2007

James Dunnett and two Labour councillors Cllr James Murray and Cllr Mouna Hamitouché on their way to the inquiry

‘Our private gardens will be lost if flats get go-ahead’

Lib Dems left red-faced over ‘eyesore’ plan at government inquiry

THERE was further embarrassment for Islington’s Lib Dems this week over plans to build an “eyesore” development on green space on the Barnsbury estate.
As reported by the Tribune last week, former Islington Lib Dem council leader Steve Hitchins has emerged as a recent member of the governing body of Newlon housing association, the organisation seeking permission to build the four-storey housing development.
Mr Hitchen’s former deputy on the council Bridget Fox – who like Mr Hitchins lost her seat at the last local elections – has campaigned vehemently against the proposal.
But at a government planning inquiry into the scheme on Tuesday, Newlon issued a highly critical letter to Islington Lib Dems accusing them of putting out “inaccurate statements” about the quality of the scheme.
Architect James Dunnett told the inquiry that concreting over greenery would destroy the outlook and quality of life for residents.
Mr Dunnett, of the Islington Society, said the move to build new homes on grass areas would set a precedent for the development of precious open spaces throughout the borough and beyond.
“It’s the equivalent of building on your private garden,” Mr Dunnett told inspector Mrs Jennifer Wyse at the inquiry.
“But if we allow it to happen here where will it end.”
Newlon housing association is appealing to the government over the heads of Islington council to build a four-storey development comprising 19 flats to be sold for shared ownership.
The Labour-controlled West Area committee has already rejected the scheme.
Mr Dunnett said he was also a member of the 20th Century Society and a leading campaigner against a decision by Islington council to build 12 luxury flats last year opposite the estate in Copenhagen Street on the edge of Barnard Park.
He told the Tribune: “Council tenants and leaseholders are entitled to a bit of green space just like everyone else.”
The inquiry heard that the residents are unable to use much of the green space earmarked for the development amid claims by the estate’s management that in the past it has been targeted by anti social activity.
Newlon planning consultant Jon Murch argued that scheme will result in an increase of open space if you include the green ecological roof of the new building.
“The scheme will not detrimentally effect the light of residents,” he said.
“It will pay for much needed refurbishments to the community centre. And there is a desperate need for new housing for key workers in the area.”
The inspector visited the site and will give her decision shortly.

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