|
|
 |
| |
Artist’s impression of how it could look |
‘Homes will dwarf a jewel’ warning
Conservation groups join forces to oppose fresh plans for flats in shadow of Union Chapel
A CAMPAIGN to stop an “unsightly” seven-storey development blocking views of Islington’s jewel, the Union Chapel, was being launched this week.
Seven of the borough’s leading conservation groups, led by 400-strong Canonbury Society, are planning to rally opposition to the housing scheme, which they maintain is entirely unsympathetic to the grade II-listed church and the surrounding area.
Notting Hill Housing Trust hopes to build 135 homes at 85 Canonbury Road, the site of a former Ford car showroom. Original plans were submitted last year but withdrawn. A new application, with minor changes, is due to be considered by Islington Council’s west area planning committee.
Philip Walker, chairman of Canonbury Society and a member of the Union Chapel project, said objectors were not against development as such, only its size and bulk.
He added: “It will entirely dwarf Union Chapel, which is a bit like building something unsuitable in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral.”
Andy Gardner, chairman of Islington Archaeology and History Society, said the scheme “disregards Islington Council’s own planning guidelines and ignores adjacent residential properties and existing trees”.
Andrew Bosi, chairman of the Islington Society, Martin Jones, chairman of Highbury Fields Association, and Charles Wood, chairman of Upper Street Association, also oppose the scheme.
Mr Wood said: “This site is a key part of the borough around Highbury Corner, a gateway to Islington used by thousands of people every week. What is required is a smaller scale, lower rise project that respects the environment.”
John Hughes, group director of development at Notting Hill Housing Trust, said: “We have consulted extensively with our local authority partners, the Union Chapel and local groups throughout the planning process for this development.
“We have already revised the original design to accommodate people’s wishes and will continue to work with the Canonbury community to deliver much-needed new homes that fit well with the local environment. |
 |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
