Objection to planning application P2022/1898/FUL (Barnsbury Estate)

Dear Mr Linford

I am writing on behalf of the Friends of Regent's Canal to object to planning application P2022/1898/FUL.

The three canalside tower blocks are totally unacceptable. They are too tall, too bulky and they are in the wrong place. If some of the buildings need to be taller than others then they should be built in the middle of the site rather than on its edge, especially when the edge of the site adjoins a green corridor in a conservation area.

This site adjoins a unique and important stretch of the Regent's Canal. It contains the west portal of the Islington Tunnel, which is over two hundred years old. It is a magnificent monument to the skills and perseverance of the engineers and labourers of that era and it needs to be celebrated and respected. The visualisation from Thornhill Bridge demonstrates that the tunnel would be undermined and overshadowed by the huge tower blocks. This stretch is unique in this part of London because it is traffic-free, it is lined with mature trees and it provides a public space of tranquillity that is within a few minutes walk of King's Cross. Spaces like this are vital for preserving wellbeing and mental health and the tower blocks would rob this open space of its character.

There are already a number of tall buildings that swallow up the canal between King's Cross and Camden Town and for this reason it is more important than ever to protect the stretch between Caledonian Road and the tunnel portal. I urge you to reject any claims that the existing tall buildings have set a precedent that needs to be followed.

I was unable to find any 3-D illustrations of the existing buildings. These can normally be found in the daylight and sunlight reports, along with illustrations of the proposed buildings, but they appeared to be missing so I was unable to provide visual comparisons for public consumption. Can you please arrange for any missing illustrations to be published on the council website?

I am particularly concerned about the lack of consultation outside the estate. Very few canal users or residents were aware of this application yet the proposed towers would have a major impact on the residents of the permanent moorings on the south side of the canal. If these residents have been overlooked during the consultation then it is very likely that they have also been overlooked during the design.

I urge you to reject the plans for the three towers.

Regards,

Ian Shacklock

Chair, Friends of Regent's Canal

22nd August 2022

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