Following up on the earlier postings by Sarah Ward, we have now had a formal response from Islington Council on the matter of the six trees that were felled as part of the new development at 200 Pentonville Road.  As the response is quite lengthy and detailed, I have attached it to this posting.  Download 200_Pentonville_Road_Trees-Reply_from_Planning.pdf.

While the response does show that the correct proceedures were followed, it does raise a number of subjective issues that call the overall policy and procedure into question. 

I know from speaking to our Councillor Paul Convery, he agrees and would welcome your support to minimize such loses in the future – UNLESS ABSOLUTELY JUSTIFIED.  While this matter is now over, we must voice our opinions on how to prevent this in the future.  I would therefore suggest you drop a note to Paul indicating that you want the current procedures associated with the potential loss of any trees strengthened to ensure more justification and local community oversight.  In addition, I would copy the Leader of the Council and the Head of the Planning Department – just click this link to send your email to: james.kempton@islington.gov.uk; paul.convery@islingtonlabour.org.uk; Graham.Loveland@islington.gov.uk to let them know what you think.

Concerted community action will improve government – if you don’t do it, why should anyone else!