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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 22 August 2008

Scott Baker, of the Betsy Trotwood pub, with Green councillor Katie Dawson at the old Guardian offices

Growing opposition to trees threat

Campaigners call for greenery to be protected outside former Guardian newspaper offices

CAMPAIGNERS including staff from the Arts Council are fighting plans to axe 10 distinctive London plane trees from outside the Farringdon Road offices of the Guardian newspaper.
The 70 year-old mature specimens are due to be removed under plans for a new complex of shops and offices when the newspaper move to King’s Cross in October.
Islington’s Green councillor Katie Dawson is fighting to save the trees alongside residents, organisations and businesses.
“This is a highly congested thoroughfare and these are the only trees around here,” she said.
“Because the Guardian is a well-known building these are landmark trees.”
An application by a new business to bring forward the front-line of the building by five metres will be considered by Islington Council’s south area planning sub-committee later this year. It could mean the felling of the trees, but residents can object.
Protesters fear that the scheme could get the go-ahead after a similar plan submitted by the Guardian in 2005 won approval from the council but never got off the drawing board.
“Everyone is horrified,” Cllr Dawson added. “These trees are well-known locally and manage to make this busy road bearable.
“Islington Council are always saying how important trees are, but when developers get involved they seem to cave in.
“It’s ironic that the Guardian newspaper – a staunch defender of the environment – has allowed this scheme to go through. As it is still their building they could at least have objected.”
Scott Baker, tenant of the Betsy Trotwood pub, across the road from the Guardian, has collected hundreds of signatures opposing the scheme.
“The street scene will be ruined,” he said. “I don’t suppose the Guardian care what is happening here because they are moving. But they should be saying something.”
Michael Sotar, director at the nearby Quality Chop House, said: “These trees are the only greenery we have around here. Why can’t they be allowed to stay?”
A spokeswoman for the Guardian said that the office property had now been sold off to Irish firm Trinity Biotech and all inquiries should be directed to them.
Islington Council’s executive member for the environment, Lib Dem councillor Greg Foxsmith, said: “Trees are very important in Islington and we’ve made sure the number on our streets is increasing overall by more than 200 each year.
“I cannot comment on this particular case, as that will be a decision for the planning committee in due course.
“But I can say that the council will seek the retention of trees.
“We have more trees per street mile than anywhere else in London and we want to keep it that way.”

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