Notification about a Full Planning Application (P081008) in East Area for 7 Fergus Road for the Installation of four velux windows.

The planning application can be viewed on the Council’s website by clicking here. The application can also be seen at Contact Islington (open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.45 pm). As you know the Council has a limited time to consider the application. Comments to Sandra Civero on 020 7527 7097 by 16 July

NCH action for Children is moving from their beautiful site on Highbury Grove.  This will mean they will look to sell and develop their site and as a result there is an exhibition setting out the principles for the development and discuss the future of the site with representatives of NCH as well as council officers.

 A leaflet oulining the proposals can be dowloaded here http://highburyeast.mycouncillor.org.uk/files/2008/06/08_09_0083-highbury-consultation_v3.pdf

The consultation runs from Monday 16 June for 4 weeks, with Monday 14 July the deadline for comments. This is being run jointly with NCH, the current occupiers and owners of the site, so the exhibition explains their reasons for moving as well as setting out our aspirations for the future of the site. They are keen to leave a good legacy behind them and to work with the council to achieve this. So far we are agreed that a residential scheme of predominately family housing built to the highest sustainable and design standards would meet both the council’s objectives and NCH’s.

Six open days have been arranged and advertised for the following dates and times: 

Wednesday  18 June                   2.00pm – 8.00pm

Thursday  19 June                     10.00am – 6.00pm

Friday   27 June                          2.00pm - 8.00pm

Saturday  28 June                     10.00am - 5.00pm

Wednesday  2 July                    10.00am – 6.00pm

Thursday  3 July                        2.00pm – 8.00pm

 The final planning brief is scheduled to be presented to East Area Committee on 8 September 2008.

If you want to know more contact Chris Corby, Senior Planner, Policy & Projects,  020 7527 2987, chris.corby@islington.gov.uk

Notification about a Full Planning Application (P080935) in East Area for Upper Flat 24 Framfield Road for the erection of a rear dormer window  and elevational alterations.

The planning application can be viewed on the Council’s website by clicking here. The application can also be seen at Contact Islington (open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.45 pm).

As you know the Council has a limited time to consider the application. Comments to Vicki Killeen on 020 7527 2731 by 27 June

Site at Flat D, Kerry House, 67B, Kelvin Road, Islington, London, N5 2PQ (Planning application number: P072784)

The Department for Communities and Local Government is considering an appeal against this Council’s decision to refuse permission (dated 10 January 2008) to replace wooden windows with  PVC windows (double glazing), replacement 3 pane balcony doors with 2 pane balcony doors (double glazed)

1. REASON: Insufficient evidence has been submitted to demonstrate that the proposed PVC windows and doors, by virtue of their design, would not be inappropriate and out of keeping with the predominant form of existing surrounding fenestration and would not have an adverse effect on the appearance of the host building and the surrounding area.  The proposal is contrary to policies D1, D4 and D11 of Islington’s Unitary Development Plan (2002) and 2.3 of Islington’s Urban Design Guide 2006.

Officers will forward any comments, which you made at application stage, to the Planning Inspectorate. If you want to make additional comments please ensure that the Planning Inspectorate receives them by 04 July 2008, otherwise there is a risk that your comments will not be considered.

The Planning Inspectorate have introduced an online appeals service which you can use to comment on this appeal. You can find the service through the Appeals area of the Planning Portal – see www.planningportal.gov.uk/pcs. The Inspectorate may publish details of your comments, on the internet (on the Appeals area of the Planning Portal). Your comments may include your name, address, email address or phone number. Please ensure that you only provide information, including personal information belonging to you, that you are happy will be made available to others in this way. If you supply information belonging to a third party please ensure you have their permission to do so. More detailed information about data protection and privacy matters is available on the Planning Portal.

The Planning Inspectorate will not acknowledge your letter unless you specifically ask them to do so. They will, however, ensure that your letter is passed on to the Inspector dealing with the appeal. If you wish to receive a copy of the appeal decision you need to include this request in your comments.

If you wish to consider the points raised in the appellant’s Grounds of Appeal this document is available from me on request.

A copy of a booklet entitled “Guide to taking part in Planning Appeals” is available through ‘publications’ on the Planning Inspectorate’s website www.planning–inspectorate.gov.uk  or from officers on request.

Contact Lisa Topliss, 020 7527 2786, lisa.topliss@islington.gov.uk

Notification about a Full Planning Application (P080875) in East Area for 58 Aberdeen Park, N5 for the Installation of new timber sash window opening at second floor level of south elevation

The planning application can be viewed on the Council’s website by clicking here. The application can also be seen at Contact Islington (open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.45 pm).

As you know the Council has a limited time to consider the application. Comments to Edward Hands on 020 7527 2359 by July 3rd.

A question to the new Mayor by Caroline Pidgeon AM has revealed that the future of the Cross River Tram project is under threat.
 
Boris Johnson stated that he would be reviewing the transport, economic and environmental implications of the Cross River Tram because there is no Government funding in place for the scheme.

Cllr Laura Willoughby said, “It is of huge concern that the new Mayor is reviewing the Cross River Tram scheme. The proposal is extremely popular in communities throughout
South London. As a new, inexperienced Mayor, he should be listening to what Londoners want.

‘ By crossing the river, the tram would also encourage new links between North and South London. The Mayor needs to work urgently with TfL to find a way to fund this much-needed scheme. Boris Johnson’s refusal to make a firm commitment on the Cross River Tram is very disappointing. Liberal Democrats on the Assembly will continue to press the Mayor to make the tram a priority.”

Just an update on our compliant about Hackney council and how it dealt with the phone mast on the Arsenal tavern.  Attached is the Ombudsman letter rejecting our complaint.  Sorry not to have better news.

Download the letter here: http://highburyeast.mycouncillor.org.uk/files/2008/06/arsenal-tavern.pdf

Over half-a-million pounds of funding is being dished out to community groups near the Emirates Stadium in Highbury East and Highbury West.

More than 20 organisations are set to receive money from the Arsenal FC Community Benefit Fund - a pot of cash available to help set up local projects, or continue to run existing ones.

It includes more than £30,000 getting young people into sports projects; £30,000 to help grow organic food without the need for any green space; and over £70,000 to tenants’ and residents’ associations for community activities.

Islington Council secured the cash as part of a legal agreement when the Emirates Stadium was built.

Cllr Terry Stacy, said: “We asked local people to tell us how they thought this money should be spent, and we’ve listened to their views.  We are really pleased with the projects in our area that will get funding.”

More than 80 applications were received, totalling more than £2million. Projects are near the stadium in the Highbury East, Highbury West and Holloway areas - which include some of the borough’s most deprived neighbourhoods.

Priorities for funding included young people, older people, environmental projects, community facilities, health and skills for life. The funding was secured by Islington Council from Arsenal FC, as part of a planning agreement to build the new Emirates stadium - known as “a section 106 planning agreement.

The projects to be funded:

• Access to Sports Project: Sports coaching programme at community venues - £30,000
• Centre 404: Support to disabled children and thei r families - £12,422
• Drayton Park Primary School PTA: Improvements to school infants playground to increase activities - £12,161
• Friends of Gillespie Home School Association: To transform the existing tarmac surface of the school playground into a Green Learning and Activity Zone - £30,000
• Friends of Paradise Park and Islington Play Association in partnership: Improvements to children’s centre facilities and park - £26,272
• Highbury Builders Collective: vertical wooden structures which allow communities to grow organic vegetables in small indoor spaces - £30,000
• Highbury Roundhouse Youth and Community Centre: project supporting new estate based youth group and the roundhouses 3rd age project for older people - £29,990
• Highbury Vale Blackstock Trust: Refurbishment of sports hall at Elizabeth House - £30,000
• Fire Station Community Centre (Holloway Neighbourhood Group): Renovation of community facilities - £29,354
• Hyde Village Community a nd Social Association: Aims to set up a number of activities for local people at three community locations on Hyde housing estates - £16,000
• Islington Law Centre: Improvements to law centre reception - £29,997
• Islington Somali Community: Work with young people to tackle anti social activities - £24,385
• Islington Time Bank Network: Engage students at City and Islington college in volunteering with local projects - £29,300
• The Parish of St. Mary Magdalene and St. David: Refurbishment to provide modern community building at Westbourne Road N7 - £30,000
• Martin Luther King and Hyde Plus: To fund work at the new youth centre ‘Ringcross Youth Facility’ and outreach on all local estates - £30,000
• North London Central Mosque: Engage with young residents in targeted wards - £30,000
• Olden Gardens Community Project: Support to a community garden - £30,000
• Quadrant Gardening Club in collaboration with the Highbury Quadrant Tenants and
• Residents Association: Community gardening project involving volunteers in improving green spaces on estate - £30,000
• Quill Street Residents Association: a three year programme of events for residents planned by the residents association - £9,213
• St Thomas Church Finsbury Park and St Thomas’s Playgroup: Improvements to kichen and toilet facilities - £25,000
• Vaudeville Court Tenants and Residents Association: Pilot green time bank based at a council estate on St.Thomas Road - £14,964

Despite the council rejecting a development on Holloway Road that would blight the lives of local resident, in May the planning inspector gave the green light for the development to proceed.

The seven storey building, which will be as high as five stories at the back, will create a overlooking and a sense of enclosure for residents in properties around Highbury Fields.

Cllr John Gilbert said “we rejected this building because of its closeness to peoples homes. It is a shame the inspector did not agree with local representatives and residents.”

The decision in full can be downloaded here http://highburyeast.mycouncillor.org.uk/files/2008/06/decision_.pdf

The summary is as follows:
I allow the appeal, and grant planning permission for the “demolition of the existing buildings on the site and the erection of a building fronting Holloway Road rising from five storeys to seven storeys and containing commercial units on the ground floor and residential units above. The erection of a second building to the rear of no.54 Holloway Road rising from five to six storeys, comprising residential units. A total of 119 units are proposed”, all at 52 Holloway Road, London N7 8JL in accordance with the terms of the
application, Ref P071659, dated 29 June 2007, and the plans submitted with it, subject to the conditions.

The Council and Local residents in Fieldway Crescent have won a battle to ensure Thames Water to make good shoddy repair work that has ruined the street.

Cllr Terry Stacy said “After major excavations back in March local resident expected the road to be put right, instead the road surface is poor and irregualr causing pot holes and looking a mess. It was basically a temporary repair. This is not good enough. I contacted Thames Water to get swift action.”

After months of Thames Water refusing to undertake the work the council finally took action to bill Thames Water for the cost of the council undertaking the work they fianlly did the work. “At last!” concluded Terry