Boost for campaigners opposing housing development next to Grade I-listed Bunhill Cemetery
Cemetery site plan ‘too big and bulky’
Published: 11 March, 2011
by PETR GRUNER
A CAMPAIGN against plans for an “overbearing” seven-storey housing development next door to Islington’s world-famous Bunhill cemetery – where many of Britain’s literary greats are buried – won crucial new support this week.
Developers Southern Housing want to build 121 affordable flats in Featherstone Street, directly opposite the cemetery that includes the tombs of poet William Blake, Daniel Defoe and John Bunyan.
But just four days before the scheme is due to seek approval from Islington’s planning committee, Labour councillor Paul Convery, executive member for regeneration, has spoken out against the Bunhill Court plans.
He described the development as “too big and bulky” and agreed with campaigners that it would deprive nearby residents of daylight.
He added: “The scheme is not quite right and the developer should go back to the drawing board.”
Cllr Convery’s intervention was welcomed by Vince Mitchell, co-ordinator of the Moorfield Residents’ Action Group Executive (MRAGE).
The group is responsible for a recent campaign that persuaded English Heritage to upgrade the protection of the cemetery to its current Grade I status – reported by the Tribune last month.
Mr Mitchell, a business lecturer at City University, said that up to 200 people have signed a petition against the scheme, and English Heritage has issued a statement against it.
He added: “We are not against a development on the site, merely that this one has ignored the local environment. It will overshadow the cemetery, which attracts thousands of visitors each year and will block out light to homes in Featherstone Street.
“It’s good to hear that Cllr Convery is on our side. Now we need to convince members of the planning committee to throw the scheme out. We urge residents to turn up to the committee at the Town Hall next Tuesday, March 15, at 7.30pm.”
Southern Housing Group, the housing association behind the project, paid Islington Council £8.35million for the land in 2009, and plans to build 121 flats and four commercial units.
A spokesman for Southern said: “Our staff are continuing to meet with council members and officers to find a solution which is workable on this important inner city site.
“An extensive public consultation has been undertaken as part of the planning process.
“We take the position of our neighbours very seriously, and we hope to have further discussions with residents in the near future.”