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Camden New Journal - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 12 July 2007

Cllr Paul Convery

KX developers suffer setback

THE company in control of the King’s Cross redevelopment suffered a rare defeat on Tuesday when councillors threw out plans for a housing scheme on the Islington side of the massive brownfield site.
Argent Limited already have permission from Camden Council to get to work on the main bulk of the railwaylands behind King’s Cross and St Pancras stations.
But it has found more resistance among councillors in Islington, who told the developers that its plans for a triangle of land on their side of the border did not offer enough affordable homes.
The 17 storey scheme, on a 1.1-hectare site, provides for 40 per cent affordable accommodation, (80 homes), an increase of six per cent on previous plans.
But Labour councillors said at Tuesday’s meeting at that they want to see 50 per cent (100 homes) put in the affordable bracket.
Only one councillor voted in favour of the current scheme, St Mary’s ward Lib Dem Councillor Emily Fieran-Reed.
The triangle is bounded by York Way, the East Coast Main Line and the new Thameslink line, with the North London Line and Channel Tunnel Rail Link close by.
Islington’s Deputy planning chief Graham Loveland thought the offer by Argent was the best the council were likely to get -but chairman of the committee Labour councillor Paul Convery said: “There is a dire need in London for more affordable housing. London Mayor Ken Livingstone has called for schemes to be 50 per cent affordable – that is our aim.”
Argent spokesman, Robert Evans, said he is disappointed. “Islington’s planning officers were in favour and we would like to see this scheme move forward with the main site.
“But that is not to be the case. We must consider our options, which could be to appeal against the lack of action”.
Phil Jeffries of the Cally Rail Action group welcomed the committee’s refusal to accept the scheme. “The committee have done the right thing. What this site needs is sufficient affordable housing but Argent are not prepared to offer it. Let’s hope the developer reconsider. What was on offer by Argent was unacceptable. All this committee has asked for is that the developer comes back with a better housing offer. If Argent go to appeal it will be merely for pique and not for sensible reasons. “

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