Islington Tribune - News: Estates green spaces

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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 31 August 2007

James Dunnett

Estates’ green spaces ‘open to attack’

THE decision by a government planning inspector to allow a “concrete monstrosity” to be built on an estate in Barnsbury sets a “fearful precedent” for the future, according to a leading architect this week.
James Dunnett, a member of the influential Islington Society, has warned that all precious green areas on estates in the borough will now be up for grabs by land-hungry developers.
He spoke out after the inspector – in the face of a major campaign by residents – approved plans for a four-storey housing development for key workers on the Barnsbury estate at Copenhagen Street.
Mr Dunnett accused Islington Council of doing little to oppose the plans for 19 flats on half an acre opposite Barnard Park.
“The outcome is very much the result of Islington Council failing to protect its own environmental policies,” Mr Dunnett said.
“It means that hard-won green areas on housing estates will be open to attacks by predatory housing associations and developers.”
The Barnsbury development will be built by Newlon Housing Association, which includes among its part-time directors Steve Hitchins, former Lib Dem leader of the council. Ironically, Mr Hitchin’s former deputy leader, Bridget Fox, opposed the scheme.
Mr Dunnett, who lives in nearby Barnsbury Road, said that it was possible to appeal in the High Court against the inspector’s decision but it would take too long and be too costly.
The inspector, who held a one-day hearing, intervened after the council’s Labour-controlled west area committee rejected the plans on the grounds of the homes’ lack of affordability for some key workers.

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