Permit-free, please

IT APPEARS Islington Council has reached an agreement with developers to have the Arundel Square site in Holloway 80 per cent parking permit-free. On top of this, it has been agreed that spaces in the basement car park can be used only by residents in the new development.
This is great news, and a much better result than anticipated following the response (or lack of) to our initial concerns. Some residents are still disappointed that the development is not 100 per cent permit-free (as was agreed in all consultations) but thanks go to Kevin O’Leary at the council, and Councillor Paul Convery for taking this matter up and meeting the developers to achieve a compromise.
I hope all major new-build developments in Islington will now continue to be completely permit-free and any on-site car parks for the sole use of residents only. Lessons have to be learned from this case, and there must be clear wording regarding parking and permits in any planning decision notes and contracts so the problems in Arundel Square are not repeated.
Finally, thank you to the Tribune for helping bring the story to the attention of the wider community and for helping put pressure on the council to reach a compromise.
Susie Graves
Arundel Square Tenants’ and Residents’ Association