Dixon Clark Court

• IT’S not too late for residents to comment on the council’s proposed Housing Strategy 2021-2026 for those who missed the official March 10 to April 21 consultation period.

The draft document and action plans can be found via: https://www.islington.gov.uk/consultations/2021/housing-strategy-2021-to-2026.

Despite the importance of such significant policy documents, it seems the plans were not advertised in the press so it’s unclear how many residents are aware of the Town Hall’s intentions.

Fortunately the homes and neighbourhoods section of the housing department (who knew?) is happy to continue to receive comments as “our strategy action plan is a document we will continue to update… reviewing our resident engagement strategy in the coming months” (email correspondence).

This is an excellent opportunity for those who are particularly concerned about the council’s proposals to build on some of its own estates’ green spaces to make their views known, (We need homes and green spaces, Letters, May 7). Among such schemes are Aubert and Drakeley courts, Bemerton Estate South, Hillrise and the Barnsbury Estate.

Planning applications for the sites have not yet been submitted but outline drawings of the proposals for these (and other estates) can be seen at: https://www.islington.gov.uk/~/media/sharepoint-lists/public-records/Planningandbuildingcontrol/Publicity/Publicconsultation/20202021/20210317SiteAllocationsscheduleofmodifications.pdf.

Depriving already existing tenants, some of the borough’s poorest residents, of their environmental amenity in these pandemic times is contrary to all health and wellbeing advice, not only for residents but for the ecology of UK’s most densely populated borough.

It’s too late for Dixon Clark Court, alas, but not for the residents of other estates under threat of degreening and further densification. It’s time to look at London as a whole when considering where to build council homes.

MEG HOWARTH
Ellington Street, N7