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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 5 October 2007

Conservationist Michael Hammerson surveys St Aloyius’ College which is due to be redeveloped

Bland, bleak and uninspiring – critics’ judgment on new school

Planners urged to reject rebuilding bid amid claims conservation area will be damaged

PLANS for the redevelopment of St Aloysius’ College in Archway received a mauling at the hands of conservation experts this week.
Islington Council’s own influential design and conservation panel described the scheme to replace the 1960s school as “uninspiring and bland”.
The proposed rebuilding of the boys’ school in Hornsey Lane is part of a £100 million schools development plan by the Lib Dem-run council.
Plans go before the council’s north area committee on Monday night.
Under the proposals, two temporary administration and teaching buildings would be put up on the site during construction work, expected to last 69 weeks.
The design and conservation panel has said a “nicely” designed courtyard at the proposed building is compromised by an over-projecting dining hall.
The panel also criticised the proposed chapel elevation – it preferred something more interesting – and uncovered external access to the classrooms.
The Highgate Society has described the school plans as “poor” and unsympathetic to the conservation area.
The society’s conservationist, Michael Hammerson, voiced concern at the failure of the council to consult it over the plans.
He added: “We consider there will be a seriously adverse impact on the Hornsey Lane part of the conservation area. While the society welcomes good modern architecture, not only is the proposed design of these buildings in stark, unsympathetic materials but in a location far too close to the road.
“We consider that the design is poor and bleak for a conservation area. The materials, warehouse-like design, massing and positioning so close to the road and existing listed buildings pay no regard to the sensitivity of the location.”
The society warns that the proposals will “progressively damage” the conservation area. It has urged planners to reject the proposals “so it may be redesigned in a way which will make both the architecture, materials and location appropriate to the setting”.
Concern has been raised about the effects of the plans on trees around the site and about the proposed landscaping.
Residents in Thornbury Square have raised objections about the design and appearance of the new buildings and the possible loss of light, views and outlook.
They are concerned about the noise and disturbance a proposed wind turbine might cause.
Under the plans, the existing centrally-located building and a block to its south would be demolished. A new building of three storeys would front Hornsey Lane, and there would be a new sports hall.
Many of the buildings will have “green” roofs, and there will be new habitat areas and ponds for nature study.
Planning officers have recommended approval of the scheme, subject to conditions.

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