‘Shocking’ plans to build on Bennet Court estate playground are thrown out

Published: 5 February 2010
by RÓISÍN GADELRAB

HOMES for Islington (HfI) have been ordered to rethink plans to build over a children’s play area after submitting “one of the worst planning applications” ever submitted to the Town Hall. Councillors at last Tuesday’s east area planning committee threw out HfI’s plans for four two-bedroom flats over a plot of green space on the Bennet Court estate, next to Salterton Road, Holloway.

Green councillor Katie Dawson said it was “shocking” that HfI had brought such proposals, while panel chairman Labour councillor Phil Kelly said: “This is ­really one of the worst applications we’ve seen. We’re not against new social housing. This is green space on an estate used day in day out by the kids. This is against ­policy.”

The council received 13 letters of objection and three petitions from residents against the plans. Neighbour Tatiana Strauss said: “HfI are proposing building on a ground actively used by children on the estate. Children from age six up to their teens play in a safe place.”

Another neighbour, who asked not to be named, said Islington’s own planning guidance states the equivalent amount of open space of the same quality must be found, adding: “No alternative open space land at all has been offered.”

But HfI project manager David Ronan said: “Islington has 16,000 on the housing list, 395 require two-bed accommodation. [The plans] will increase the number of affordable homes in the ­borough.

“We accept there will be a loss of amenity space, however the majority will be at the side. This area backs up to a bedroom window and it’s a site where we would discourage play. We will discuss what improvements can be done to the lawn and the back, the main space activities take place.”

He said the development would result in an 8 per cent reduction in open space from 795 sq metres to 728.

A HfI spokesman said: “We’ll take the planning committee’s comments onboard and see how we can modify our plans to meet both their high standards and also the high demand for affordable homes for Islington families.”