Basin plaza a triumph

• DEL Brenner’s letter about the City Road Basin’s new plaza and the development associated with this seems to us to be somewhat churlish (Canal basin plaza better off without bulky towers, January 1).
The information we have is that the developers have contributed financially to the making of this splendid new place. It is a relatively costly project given the need to build the plaza so it is compatible with the EDF electrical plant.
So credit should be given to all concerned in achieving a very good result.
Though there are different views about how high the towers should be next to this plaza, it does make sense to frame the plaza with development.
There was extensive discussion about the proposed development as part of the planning process, and the Angel Association, with others, played a part to improve the plans.
One important issue is to ensure that the water space remains uncluttered so the Boat Club can continue to offer sailing and canoeing for young people.
The second key issue is to ensure the ground level of the framing development fits well with the plaza and adds to the enjoyment and amenity of the area.
How tall buildings are is of course important.
But the Royal Bank of Scotland building next to Angel Tube station is only five to eight storeys high but offers a dead frontage along Islington High Street with none of the planned shops and cafés ever appearing.
It occupies an enormous site in the middle of the town centre but there are no walking routes through the site, or any square or plaza.
It is this kind of poor planning we are determined to avoid at the basin.
Eric Sorensen
Chairman, Angel Association