Will Islington be covered in high-rises under Labour plans?

2.10.48pm GMT Sun 21st Nov 2004

Islington Liberal Democrats are demanding Labour councillors come clean on whether or not they want to see more high-rise blocks of flats across the borough.

The Council has been consulting on a new building height policy for the borough. The report identifies just 5 key sites where higher buildings (over 30m or more than eight storeys) would be appropriate. It recommends that most buildings should be no higher than the current 30m limit. Local residents and groups have also been asked their views and in general support the plans.

But Labour councillors have argued that building heights should generally be raised to allow more homes to be built in Islington. Labour Mayor Ken Livingstone wants Islington to double its housing targets, and favours tower blocks too. Liberal Democrat councillors have stressed that tall buildings are just not appropriate in most parts of Islington.

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Sustainability, Councillor Bridget Fox, said:

"Labour needs to be honest about its views on taller buildings. We all want to see more affordable housing in the borough – and we are working to make that happen – but they must be homes people want to live in. Do Labour have any no-go areas for tower blocks in Islington?

"Most people gave a huge sigh of relief when councils and developers stopped forcing local people into tower blocks. Now Labour seems to want turn back time in Islington and take us back to the days of high-rises for all.

"The Council's proposed policy sets out a clear position on building heights across the borough – including where higher buildings would and would not be acceptable. We want to meet the demand for more homes but without upsetting Islington's unique character. Local Labour councillors should spend less time pandering to Ken Livingstone's big ideas and more time speaking up for Islington."

THE FACTS

Consultation on the draft planning guidelines on building height started on 30th April and ended on 24th June. The Council's Executive will approve the new policy at its meeting on 9th September. London Mayor Ken Livingstone has set out his targets for the amount of new housing each London borough should be allowing in his 'London Plan'. Islington's target is 18,000. The London Plan requires councils to achieve the maximum possible density of housing to achieve its borough-wide target. Islington is made up of mostly low- to medium-rise buildings and is particularly sensitive to increases in building heights. The Council's current policy is not to allow any new buildings over 30m (8 storeys high).