Kings Cross Environment

Those folks who had submitted comments on the latest new building proposed for the corner of York Way and Wharfdale Road (62-68 York Way) should be receiving letters shortly about the status of the application. Here is the latest info that as been passed to me from our Councillor Paul Convery:

From: Rosel, Matthew [mailto:Matthew.Rosel@islington.gov.uk]
Sent: 03 August 2007 08:11
Subject: RE: 62-68 York Way (P070753)

Dear Cllr Convery, At this stage I am in the midst of negotiating amendments to the scheme and cannot confirm when/if the scheme will go before West Area Planning Sub-Committee. Should the applicant agree to make the necessary amendments the scheme would be placed on another round of public consultation to allow residents to comment on the revisions.

Should you have any further queries regarding this matter please don’t hesitate to contact me via email or on the number below.

Kind regards

Matthew J Rosel
Principal Planning Officer
Major Applications
_______________________________________

I understand that the Applicant has now made changes and will be resubmitting.  There will be a new Consultation Period. Please be on the lookout for this info in your post.

Apparently there was an Appeal underway regarding 78 Caledonian Road.  The Appeal has been decided and here is a summary of the decision from our Councillor Paul Convery.

I am pleased to report that the appeal on 78 Caledonian Road has been refused by the Planning Inspectorate. I attach a copy of the decision notice issued yesterday.Download decision_78_caledonian_road.pdf  Members of your KX list might like to know about this.

This application was to change the use of a shop (located on the shopping parade between Northdown and Killick Street) to a  fast food  takeaway with associated ventilation and ducting. Islington turned down the application (under delegated powers) in December 2006 and this was reported to the January 2007 meeting of the committee. There was also an application to put up a new fascia with lighting which was also refused, although I don’t think this was subject to any appeal.

I consider the Inspector’s verdict to be an important decision for the KX community. It underlines the integrity of the Keystone Crescent conservation area and, more importantly, emphasises that the "vitality and viability" of the current mix of uses would be undermined by a late night takeaway.  The Inspector says that "the parade needs to retain lively and interesting shop window displays, especially shops selling everyday needs" and losing another retail unit would be detrimental to the whole parade. He determined that "given the variety of take-away outlets nearby, there is no pressing need for a take-away in the area to serve local needs". The Inspector also found that ventilation to the building’s rear would be detrimental to the area’s appearance and would cause detrimental to the views of residents especially those living in Bonnington House.

It is worth noting however that the Inspector did not agree that there would be adverse effects on the living conditions of adjoining neighbours. He concluded that adverse noise, vibration and odours could be mitigated.

Despite this small caveat, the Inspector has been unequivocal in declaring the change of use to be contrary to Islington policy and the reasons for refusal were justified.

I agree, and think this is a good decision for the community – after all, just how many "take-aways" do we really need? If you have another opinion, just let The Bulletin Board know…