Tragedy if this green lung falls victim to developers

• HIGHBURY residents are appalled at the planning application for 149 new dwellings on the National Children’s Home site.
The plans involve building on a hidden garden known locally as “the field”, which may prove to be a remnant of pasture that has survived the transformation of Highbury Hill from open fields in 1871 to the contemporary urban streetscape.
Historical maps submitted with the planning application clearly demonstrate that “the field” has never been built on, and this is confirmed by the developer’s ecological report. The land may turn out to be the last remnant of pastureland in the whole of north London.
The London Wildlife Trust has described the developer’s ecological survey as providing “an inadequate description and evaluation of the site” and is surprised in particular that it completely ignores the Private Gardens Habitat Action Plan (part of the London Biodiversity Action Plan).
There has not, however, been any report on the site by council ecologists, despite the council’s biodiversity officer recommending a more detailed investigation of the “unimproved grassland” area.
Meanwhile, London Mayor Boris Johnson is consulting on his draft replacement London Plan, which recognises that “pressure for new housing means they [back gardens] can be threatened by inappropriate development”.
The plan “supports presumptions against development on back gardens” – as does Islington’s own planning policy.
It would be a tragedy for this green lung in the heart of Highbury to be thoughtlessly destroyed.
The council should ensure that the planning decision is made on the basis of adequate information by commissioning a full, independent ecological study immediately.  
CAROLINE RUSSELL
Islington Green Party