Lib Dems Say No to 39 Storey Tower in Bunhill (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Lib Dems Say No to 39 Storey Tower in Bunhill

July 4, 2007 12:00 AM

Ruth Polling outside the Conservation building which would be removed as part of the development Lib Dem Councillors voted unanimously against a sky scraper development in Bunhill last night. Local Bunhill Councillor Ruth Polling spoke out from the floor in support of residents who opposed the application for a 39 storey tower at Old Street in the middle of a conservation area.

The application for the Tower had the support of Labour Mayor Ken Livingstone who has been putting increasing pressures on Councils to accept tall buildings in their boroughs.

The Committee turned down the application because of its excessive height and bulk, the effect it would have on the local conservation areas and listed buildings, and the poor facilities for residents and play space for their children. If the tower had been approved It would have been the tallest building in Islington.

Local Councillor Ruth Polling said "This shows why planning decisions need to be made by local councillors who know the area. Local residents who had objected were listened to and felt like their complaints were heard and understood.

"Now the developers can start from scratch to build a development that is more in keeping with Bunhill and what the local community wants. While this application was not turned down because of lack of social housing this was a major concern to all members of the committee.

"I am still worried that if this application goes to appeal it could be approved by the planning inspectorate who don't know this area."

Some Councillors expressed concern that proposed for the site, the application complies with Islington's requirements, which were 35% at the time the application was made.

Councillors on the committee expressed concern that the proposals for social housing did not meet the Liberal Democrat target of 50% affordable housing. However this could not be used as a reason to turn down the application because it would not be defensible at an appeal of the decision.

Committee Chair George Allan said "We listened to the concerns of local residents and told developers that we are not prepared to compromise on the quantity of housing or quality of developments in Islington.

"Ken Livingstone must be furious. He wants us to build high rise developments everywhere to reach his excessive housing targets for Islington. The strength of feeling among members shows that we are going to stand up for Islington's environment and character."