Roundhouse battle goes on despite demolition decision

Published: 20 May, 2011

• FOR more than eight months now, the Highbury Roundhouse has only had half a site. Due to a closure order on the back building, we have had to operate out of the house in Ronalds Road and manage our activities at six other venues. 

On Monday, Islington Council took a decision on the future of that back building which houses the main hall, dance studio, youth club and IT suite. 

We are very disappointed to have to tell you that the council has opted to demolish the building without further discussion.

To be fair, the council has expressed a commitment that it will build a new community centre on the site, but we have no legally binding agreement to guarantee that and no indication of when it would happen. This year, next year, sometime...

In reaching its decision, it has ignored the advice of our distinguished structural engineers, The Morton Partnership, which had demonstrated that the cost of repairing the building was perfectly affordable even in the present difficult economic times. Indeed, repair is five times cheaper than demolition.

We believe this decision is not only unreasonable but unlawful.

On March 25, the Court of Appeal gave a landmark ruling. It determined that all demolitions of any significance fall within annex II of the European Environmental Impact Assessment Directive. 

That’s a bit of a mouthful but what it means is that planning permission is required before any demolition can take place. 

While the council is, of course, the planning authority which would grant such permission, it must observe the lawful procedures. We have notified the council that, unless it rescinds the decision, we will be obliged to seek an injunction in the High Court restraining it from proceeding to demolish. 

If the council decides to apply (to itself) for planning permission, there will have to be a period of public consultation.

We have no doubt that the hundreds of local people who signed our online petition will want their voices to be heard when it comes to a public consultation. 

You can see their comments – and you can still sign the petition – at www.savehighburyroundhouse.co.uk.  

If you do, well, we keep our petitioners up to date and we will let you know when your support is most needed. 

TONY MILLER
Secretary, Highbury Roundhouse
N5