The Mayor of London’s decision to reconsider plans that would see a former hospital turned into new housing has reignited opposition to what campaigners have dubbed the “slums of the future”.
After purchasing the Victorian-era Archway Hospital site in 2021, property investment firm SevenCapital moved to transform the empty Islington buildings into a new residential complex with 178 homes and 242 student rooms. But the regeneration plans, which included a 27-storey tower for student housing, prompted hundreds of objections from within the community.
Unsure of how the developer would deliver on affordable housing targets or even which university the accommodation was meant to serve, in March this year Islington Council blocked the scheme. The council also found the proposals went against several planning policies, including the London Plan, while deeming the tower block’s height “excessive”.
Yet it was soon called in by the Greater London Authority (GLA), which has the power to overturn local planning decisions.
Now, as City Hall could now overturn Islington’s rejection, those groups opposed to the bid are worried the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is prepared to “ride roughshod” over the local planning process.
On behalf of the campaign group Better Archway Forum, Kate Calvert told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the current scheme would not meet the housing crisis, since 76% of the units proposed in this scheme, including affordable, are studios or one-bedroom flats. The campaigners added that there was even less need for more “luxury” student housing amid a decline in university students.
Better Archway Forum also argues that SevenCapital’s proposals went against “multiple planning policies” and shared their concerns that the decision would ultimately be made by a “single, unelected” deputy mayor rather than a City Hall planning committee. “This is hardly democratic government,” Ms Calvert said.
Archway Hospital pictured in 2013. Image: Islington Council
She added that the developer had put forward a low-rise option which was supported by residents and would still deliver many residential and affordable homes. “The Mayor and his team seem completely uninterested in this,” Ms Calvert said. “What is happening now is facilitating slums of the future, while the developer banks their millions.”
The campaigners have launched a crowdfunder to pay for a barrister to argue their case at a hearing which could be held as soon as December.
The LDRS approached the GLA and SevenCapital for comment, but at the time of writing neither had responded.
First opened in 1879, Archway Hospital was previously known as Holborn Union Infirmary.
SevenCapital has said previously it has been working with the local authority on how it would “rejuvenate” the site as a residential-led mixed-use scheme which “celebrates the history of the site whilst transforming it for modern day use that will provide benefits to the local community”.
According to the GLA website, before making a decision, the Mayor of London will hold a public hearing on the planning application, “usually at City Hall”, where he will hear views from Islington Council, the applicant and any objectors or supporters who have registered to speak.
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