Islington Tribune - News: Lorries turn street into death trap

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Islington Tribune - by MARK BLUNDEN
Published: 10 August 2007

Yard in Compton Street used for off-street parking

Lorries will turn street into ‘death-trap’, objectors warn

Road already a ‘Michael Schumacher-style challenge for white van men’

A FINSBURY rat-run will become “a death-trap” if developers are allowed to build on an industrial yard, objectors have claimed.
Up to 50 residents crammed into Monday night’s meeting of Islington Council’s south area planning committee to protest at plans to build on part of the yard in Compton Street.
They claim children at a nearby primary school already “run the gauntlet” of delivery lorries dropping off heavy goods to the site.
Developer Derwent Valley wants to extend an existing commercial building into the yard, taking over almost 200 square metres.
Objectors say that building on the already-cramped yard will force lorries out into the street, further endangering the safety of youngsters.
They maintain that, because the yard would be gated, it would create a massive queue of lorries and vans waiting in Compton Street to get in.
Harry Angel, a Compton Street resident and father-of-three, said: “It’s going to cause a deathtrap.”
One resident of the Triangle estate said: “It’s going to be very dangerous. How would you feel if one of your children was killed?”
But Lib Dem committee chairman Councillor George Allan caused consternation when he suggested the real reason for objections was that residents sneak into the yard after hours to take advantage of free parking.
He said: “This is possibly one of the last places in the borough where there is free off-street parking of a completely unregulated nature.”
He added: “There’s been a speed problem [in Compton Street] for a very considerable period of time. This includes a chicane, which has been used as part of a Michael Schumacher-style challenge by white van men.”
A survey commissioned by Finsbury Action Group suggested that 63 heavy vehicles a day passed through Compton Street.
This was disputed by Derwent Valley, which said the real figure was more like eight.
The committee delayed making a decision until council officials reported on the proposed building’s expected effect on traffic flow.
Residents and St Peter and St Paul Primary School believe the two-storey extension, which would have a grass roof, would result in a loss of privacy.
But Richard Hillebron, agent for Derwent Valley, said: “We have not heard any objections about the structure.”

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