Calls for public to be granted greater access to green spaces at luxury flat developments at Highbury Stadium and City Basin

Published: 5 March 2010
by PETER GRUNER

PRIVATE residents living in two of Islington’s “gated communities” are facing potential confrontation over a lack of public access.

At the former Highbury Stadium and at City Road Basin walkers are furious that they are being denied access to green spaces they were promised as part of a planning deal.

In the case of the former Arsenal Football Club stadium, now known as Highbury Square, Islington Council has called on the developer to open up a pathway through the development as quickly as possible.

Now a new battle is expected at the City Road basin where private residents and waterway campaigners are arguing over right to access a green space overlooking Regent’s Canal.

Del Brenner, of the London Waterways Commission, and activist Leo Chapman, are demanding access on to green space opposite Angel Waterway mansions. 

They took the Tribune on to the site on Tuesday, using an open gate in Graham Street. There are 82 flats overlooking the canal in a seven-storey block.

One resident, who didn’t want to be named, said he had paid more than £1m for his flat overlooking the waterway and expected privacy. As far as the resident was concerned we were “trespassing” on private property. “I bought the flat with the understanding that it would be secure and that only residents could use the green space,” the resident said.

Mr Brenner said: “It appears that there is some confusion over this or someone is being seriously misled and there is a legal issue.”

Mr Chapman said: “When permission was given for the flats two years ago there was a condition of the planning agreement that there would be public access on to the towpath. This hasn’t happened and we want to know why.”

According to Mr Brenner and Mr Chapman, who both attended the planning stages of the appeal for the site, there should be public access all around the basin so that walkers can reach the recently opened £2m Piazza. There are currently fences on both sides of the towpath.

At Highbury Square the developer told the Tribune late last year that the path was suffering from drainage problems and was due to open at the beginning of the New Year. Highbury West Green councillor Katie Dawson said: “The council are being very limp-wristed by not taking action. This walkway was due to open last September. Then they said the beginning of the New Year. What are they waiting for?” An Islington Council spokesman said: “We’re committed to making sure a through route is established at Highbury Square, as laid out in the granted planning permission. Work is continuing on this. In Graham Street, we believe the owner is providing access exactly as outlined in the planning process. 

“People are allowed to use the footpath during agreed hours, and this is happening.”