There is a revolting mess of rubbish in the bin yard of Choudury Mansions on Pembroke Street which I am reporting to the council as a health hazard. I then found out from this Islington Tribune article and discussion with Cllr Convery that this ugly building is scheduled for demolition in a rare example of planning enforcement action by Islington Council.
Choudhury Mansions at 70 Pembroke street, is on the site of the old Marquis of Salisbury pub – (used to be at 64 Freeling Street on the old grid pattern). The old pub was an isolated survivor of the slum clearances, hard by the Bemerton Estate and it was a shame to see it replaced by such an ugly oversized building crammed into the space. But it turns out that the developer was in breach of his planning permission. According to the Tribune, the planning inspector said:
“The overall difference is so marked that I am in no doubt that what has been built is not the approved building.”
So the council is embroiled in a long process while the devleoper tries to wriggle through loop holes. The latest papers are online. It's nice to see some firm action being taken against am awful building – let's hope a more apropriate community use can be found for the site or it can be adapted to improve the gateway to the Bemerton Estate.
Kings Cross Environment 