Town Hall puts pressure on Boris over Mount Pleasant

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Town Hall puts pressure on Boris with Mount Pleasant rejection

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Royal Mail Group’s (RGM) plans for 700 homes at its Mount Pleasant site were unanimously condemned at a planning meeting on Monday (March 10).

Nine reasons were given for the rejection, ranging from the lack of affordable housing to an absence of car parking space at the Clerkenwell site.

The motion followed that of Camden Council last month, but neither authority has a say on the site that straddles both boroughs, with the decision being called in by Boris Johnson at the request of RMG in January.

A 15 minute presentation was made by the Mount Pleasant Forum, a group of Clerkenwell residents against the current RMG plans.

Royal Mail representatives at the meeting turned down the opportunity to make a counter presentation.

Cllr James Murray, Islington Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “Royal Mail’s offer of 12 per cent affordable housing at Mount Pleasant is derisory - and it’s an insult when we have an independent viability report saying at least 50 per cent is possible.

“Local people will miss out on hundreds on new affordable homes if Boris Johnson waves through these plans.

“Monday’s vote sends a clear message to the Mayor that he must listen to local people and throw this scheme out.”

It comes after Cllr George Allan, Liberal Democrat for Clerkenwell, made a call for Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles to call in the decision.

Boris is expected to make his final decision on the proposal in summer.

[UnhappyGremlin]

Cllr James Murray, Islington Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “Royal Mail’s offer of 12 per cent affordable housing at Mount Pleasant is derisory - and it’s an insult when we have an independent viability report saying at least 50 per cent is possible.

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