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Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 29 February 2008

An artist’s impression of Robin Hodges’ plans for Barnsbury Square

High Court action over ‘glass monstrosity’

ISLINGTON Council is preparing to take the mastermind behind a “glass monstrosity” planned for leafy Barnsbury Square to the High Court.
The Town Hall yesterday announced it is applying for permission to seek a judicial review against Robin Hodges’ plans for a multi-million pound flat development in the borough’s most expensive square.
It has called for a review of the planning inspector’s decision to allow the three-storey glass block to be built on the site of a former joinery.
Mr Hodges went up against the council during a drawn-out public inquiry last year, finally coming out victorious last month.
But the council is seeking a last chance to block the plans in a High Court battle on the basis that the 10 flats planned for the site don’t include affordable housing.
A court date for the hearing has not yet been set.
Planning chief Councillor Lucy Watt, who has been working with Barnsbury Square residents to fight the application, said: “This is obviously a difficult decision for the council to take but we must take a stand in this case. I know from talking to residents that there is an overwhelming feeling that this application is not appropriate in this location and that the Planning Inspector’s decision regarding affordable housing is flawed.”
Barnsbury Square resident Alice Huang said: “I’m delighted the council has continued to listen to residents living in and nearby Barnsbury Square. We do want the site redeveloped, but passionately believe the current proposal is not suitable. The council’s decision to strongly back residents means we will have a final chance to say why this application should not be accepted in its current form.”
Councillor James Murray, who has lobbied the council to take the case to the High Court, said: “I want to stand up to developers to show we are really serious about getting what people want in Islington. I am here to get the right kind of developments in Islington that include affordable housing - not to let developers and their lawyers get away with whatever they want.
“We need homes for everyone in Islington. The Mayor’s rule that half of new developments should be affordable is the right thing to do for our borough and for the 13,000 people on the council’s housing waiting list.”

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