Probe into plans for ‘1930s corner’ of Holloway

Published: 02 July, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

A PUBLIC inquiry into plans for Northview estate in Holloway next to the Odeon cinema has been announced.

A planning application for two buildings – one of five and one of seven storeys – has been refused by Islington Council. 

The taller block would be level with the main part of the cinema building. The Odeon and Northview, which is directly opposite it, create an almost intact 1930s area of Holloway, making a significant contribution to local character and distinctiveness. 

Northview, a traditional but now rare example of 1930s domestic architecture, was completed in the same year the Odeon opened – 1938.

Christy Lawrance, secretary of Northview Residents’ Association, said: “We are concerned about the effect of the size and appearance of the proposed buildings on what is a unique 1930s corner of Holloway.

“This cluster of buildings offers a fascinating glimpse of how modern life would have looked in 1930s Holloway, with visual interest on both a human and a very grand scale. All the buildings show deco features, and exhibit Egyptian and Mayan influences.

“Having such a huge building next to the Odeon would detract from not only this deco corner but also the grandeur of the Odeon itself.”

Residents are also concerned that the scheme’s predominantly glass top floor would look clichéd and dated.

In addition, residents are concerned that recent planning applications in Holloway have been for dense developments that detract from both local heritage and quality of life for people who live there.

The deadline for comments to the planning inspectorate is July 16. No date for the inquiry has been announced.