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Islington Tribune - by JAMIE WELHAM
Published: 21 September 2007

‘We will be swamped by Arsenal’s 21-storey flats’

Neighbours’ fears over bid to build cinema, homes and gym

ARSENAL’S plans for a leisure complex and 21-storey flats next to Emirates Stadium are a “disgrace”, say residents.
One couple claimed the Queensland Road development was proof that Islington was fast becoming the “London borough of Arsenal Football Club”.
Residents voiced opposition to plans for a cinema complex, five flats blocks and a gym, during a two-day public consultation last week.
The proposals were unveiled in the week that Arsenal announced a record annual turnover of £190 million, making it the Premier League’s richest football club.
Angry residents have complained about the proposals for parking, the height of the tower blocks and the football club’s “cavalier” attitude.
One opponent of the development, Kevin Watts, who has lived in Drayton Park for 20 years, said: “It is wholly inappropriate. I thought we had planning laws in this borough. How can they justify a 21-storey building that will swamp the whole area?”
Another Drayton Park resident said he had long given up supporting his childhood team because of its treatment of local people.
Giles Keegan added: “This club does nothing for local people. I’m not a dinosaur and I’m not against change per se but will these shops or this gym be of any benefit to residents? I doubt it.”
Residents also questioned the wisdom of holding the consultation during working hours.
Five thousand newsletters were sent out detailing the new proposals.
The football club insists disruption will be minimal and has defended the way the consultation was organised.
An Arsenal spokesman said: “We were delighted so many residents attended the public exhibition at Emirates Stadium last week. A number of residents did raise concerns about the increase in height of the proposed towers and it was explained that this would enable more affordable housing units to be provided, with the towers integrating well into the area.
“Parking will be provided for some of the new flats and the rest will be ‘car free’, and residents will not be eligible for a residents’ parking permit.
“Previous Arsenal consultations have been held during the week and, as on previous occasions, many residents attended the exhibition on both days and provided some very worthwhile feedback.”
A planning application is due to be submitted to the council within the next two months.

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