Assault on heritage

Published: 1st April, 2011

• WE would like to wish the residents of the Beaux Arts building every success in fighting off another attempt at architectural vandalism (Much-loved architectural gem is under threat again, March 25).

We are awaiting yet another assault on our homes. The last attempt was – as with the attacks on the Beaux Arts building – just a tweaked version of the first one, with no consideration of the community who live here.

Our homes, with their well-proportioned, distinctive 1930s architecture, could be visually suffocated by a bland, hefty extra storey. 

Original features could be damaged and destroyed, and a peaceful and distinctive community architecturally mugged.

Northview is the last remaining estate of its type in Islington – one of the few estates designed for the aspirant middle classes of the late 1930s, and nearly intact with original features. Yet, despite its place in local heritage, there is precious little to protect it.

As the Beaux Arts residents rightly point out, such additions show no regard as to how they will spoil community heritage and people’s homes.

While time and money is spent on drawing up plans after plans, our homes have been left to rot (see Buildings at Risk at www.northview.org.uk). 

The leasehold valuation tribunal recently ordered managing agent Drivers and Norris to refund half its management charges since it took over, as well as the entire reserve fund.

The situation is exacerbated by the pressure for new homes. Recent government figures show more homes are being built in Islington than in Birmingham, Manchester or Leeds. 

Four times as many homes are being built here as in Barking and Dagenham, three times as many as in Haringey, and twice as many as in Hackney or Camden.
Christy Lawrance
Secretary,
Northview Residents’ Association