Thanks to Scottie for this: The Driver on the corner of Wharfdale Road and Caledonian Road, using its original name of The General Picton Public House, has applied for planning permission to build a roof terrace. This appears to be contradicting what residents were told at a meeting with the owner of The Driver back in January when, “Contrary to some reports we were told that there will be no outside space created”. The proposed roof terrace is to be used as an outside drinking and smoking area.

Under the planning application form heading ‘Neighbour and Community Consultation’ The Driver specifically refers to the meeting held with residents in January and lists the names of attenders at Appendix A. This could be highly misleading. To anyone reading the application it looks like the community was consulted about the roof terrace proposal when in fact the opposite is true – we were assured there would be no roof terrace. If you attended that meeting you might want to point this out in your comments, otherwise planners may assume you have been actively consulted by The Driver and are happy with the roof terrace.

The application reference number is P081716, click here to go to the LB Islington Planning search page to find details and comment on the application. It can also be seen at the Planning Service, 222 Upper Street. If you would prefer to comment in writing, contact:

Planning Service
Public Protection Division
Environment and Regeneration Department
PO Box 3333
222 Upper Street
N1 1YA.

The planning officer for the application is Edward Hands, telephone 020 7527 2359.

Deadline for comments is 2 October 2008.