Fresh threat to our gem

Published: 4 June 2010

• A REVISED planning application has been submitted for the NCH site in Highbury Park. The number of housing units has been minimally reduced – from 149 to 143 – but the plans still involve building on grassland. 

The plans were put out to consultation last week and, yet again, the council has chosen to do this with a very short deadline: formal consultation expires on June 19.

 The application will be heard by the new centralised planning committee, which will not include ward councillors, on either July 8 or August 12.

We are objecting to the application on the basis that it represents a  loss of open space.

The development is not in accordance with the planning brief for the site, which requires the mature gardens be preserved in their entirety. We will continue to fight to save this hidden gem for future generations. 

KATIE DAWSON, CAROLINE RUSSELL and EMMA DIXON
Highbury Team, Islington Green Party