Fresh threat to homes

Published: 1 July, 2011

• RESIDENTS at Northview in Holloway are facing yet another attempt at architectural vandalism on our homes. 

Our immediate problem, though, is getting hold of accurate, up-to-date plans. At least five sets of documents have appeared on Islington’s website. While we have an idea of what the proposal looks like, it is nigh impossible to provide an informed response before consultation ends.

As we’ve resisted variations on this application before, we could tell straight away that the first set of documents was incomplete.

We were then told that all documents were there – but they turned out to be incorrect or missing. Further changes were first noticed when a resident double-checked something halfway through the consultation period. They’ve changed twice again since then.

Had it not been for this resident’s vigilance, we would still be responding to inaccurate, outdated information.

Promises by the chair of planning, Councillor Robert Khan, last summer that applications would be clearly set out and available have proved empty. Systems to support planning officers and ensure fairness to residents are still inadequate. If anything, matters have got worse.

Planners have a ridiculously high caseload as it is without having to fiddle around with websites as well. Islington’s planning system is unable to cope.

We have been advised by Planning Aid for London that the council has failed to consult completely.

The application is proposing major changes to people’s homes. If the council is serious about fairness, it should start its consultation again.

CHRISTY LAWRANCE
Secretary, Northview Residents’ Association, N7