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Locked out of square
• IN 2007, planning permission was given for a development of more than 700 residential units in the old Arsenal stadium, now known as Highbury Square. Residents feared this would lead to a closed, gated community isolated from the rest of Highbury.
One of the conditions of the statutory agreement accompanying the planning permission was that the public should be given access 364 days a year across the new square – the old football pitch – between Avenell Road and Highbury Hill. But since the development officially opened, the gates have remained firmly locked at all times.
When challenged, the developers sought to justify the position by saying there were “ongoing drainage issues” relating to the footpath across the square. Yet that same footpath is in constant use by residents of the development – and appears to be bone dry.
The developers are seeking to avoid their obligations to the community. Islington Green Party will continue to press the council to enforce the condition to allow residents their right of way through Highbury Square.
Jon Nott
Islington Green Party
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