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An artist’s impression of the flats |
Fury as glass ‘monstrosity’ finally gets rubber stamp
Former joinery in exclusive square to be turned into apartments
A MULTI-MILLION pound flat development in the borough’s most exclusive square has been given the green light – sparking uproar from residents who are calling on the council to challenge the decision at the High Court.
Planning permission has been granted to developer Robin Hodges for a three-storey block of luxury flats on the site of a former joinery in Barnsbury Square, following a protracted public inquiry last year.
Residents who have campaigned to halt the development labelled the decision a “joke” – claiming the steel and glass “monstrosity” will destroy the character of the Georgian square and turn it into a light starved “goldfish bowl”.
They are also questioning why the planning inspector involved has not insisted on setting aside part of the development for affordable housing.
The council is considering appealing the decision. A spokesperson said: “Of course we try to push for as much affordable housing as possible but in this case the inspector has given full and balanced consideration to the proposal at Barnsbury Square.
“He has concluded that according to current policy, there weren’t enough grounds to demand affordable housing on the site. We are considering an appeal.”
Pam Chalkley, who has lived next door to the building since 1980, said: “I am shocked at the planning inspector approving the development and I think the council should appeal against the decision in the High Court.
“I can’t look at the report any more – it simply beggars belief. Was I even attending the same inquiry? What’s the point in having planning policies if they can just be explained away and adapted for developers’ profit.
“Even affordable housing, which Islington desperately needs, has been wiped off the slate. Whatever the policy says, anyone can see that the site is large enough to accommodate 50 per cent affordable housing.”
Dr Nigel Burton, chairman of the Barnsbury Square Residents Association said: “We are surprised and disappointed that the inspector has ignored our submissions.
“It seems that Mr Hodges has got very lucky. We just hope that he does the work sensitively. In a way it’s nice to finally have some certainty. But the saga will continue and we will all be keeping a close watch to make sure he sticks to the conditions.”
Mr Hodges tried to ease residents’ fears, saying the building will be a boost to Barnsbury Square.
“I am absolutely delighted that after seven years of struggling with the Islington planning system the inspector has allowed the appeal,” he said.
“We are very much looking forward to starting the new project. The apartments will be large and of a very high quality. They will have views over Barnsbury Square and each one will have a garden, roof terrace or a balcony. All in all, the development will give a marvelous boost to Barnsbury Square.”
In his report, planning inspector Stephen Brown ignored the council’s plea for affordable housing, saying the development was exempt from the 50 per cent of new homes policy because it fell below the national threshold of 15 dwellings.
He added: “I concur with the view put forward by the architect that the scheme would be a well-mannered, quiet neighbour, and consider it would fit well within its varied urban context.”
Mr Hodges, who lives on the square, called for the inquiry after numerous applications to the council’s planning committee were thrown out.
His win was secured with the help of his enigmatic lawyer David Cooper, who grilled residents over their opposition to the development, claiming they were hypocrites for demanding affordable housing while living in mansions.
Building is expected to start in the summer with prices for the apartments starting at £1 million. |
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