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An Islington Council press release yesterday announced significant changes to the draft planning brief for a new
Arsenal stadium at Ashburton Grove.
The changes have been made in response to the period of
public consultation, which saw over 600 written responses to
the Council and
attendance of nearly that many at the 3 public meetings.
As we suspected, the anti-stadium residents lobby has been more active (this is not to say that it is not also more numerous).
This is in contrast to Arsenal's own survey which, perhaps also
unsurprisingly (selection bias), reports a large majority in favour of the
proposals. See here.
The Council's press release cites the following key objections: use of the stadium for concerts etc, increased traffic, loss of exisitng employment, danger to nature conservation sites.
The changes made to the draft, which will be presented to a special meeting of the Planning Committee next Monday , include
- Clear limits on uses other than football.
- Requirement that no more than 20% of fans travel to matches by car (currently 43%).
- Possible parking exclusion zone, radius 1 mile centred on stadium.
- Strict requirements for relocating businesses and public services.
There are also some interesting comments from council officers,
apparently keen to avoid the impression that the council, rather than the
Arsenal, is the main driving force behind the proposals.
Chief Executive Leisha Fullick said, "Islington did not invite Arsenal's interest in the
Ashburton Grove site. However, as the local planning authority the Council must respond, engage with local people and businesses and provide planning guidance.
"I must emphasise that there has been no deal on the proposal, even though the Council owns much of the land at Ashburton Grove. There must be an acceptable planning scheme first. Then Arsenal will have to buy or lease the land it needs from the Council and other landowners."
And Environment Director Ian Crawley said: "We do not even know yet if Arsenal will decide a 60,000-seat stadium is feasible on this site. The revised planning briefs with the tough restrictions on multi-use and access by car to matches will help Arsenal work out what is possible. If the club decide to submit a planning application the Council is committed to involving everyone who believes their interests might be affected."
There have also been changes made to the draft brief for the existing Highbury site, including that it not be used for any "events" once Arsenal leave.
The special meeting at which the revised brief will be presented to the council is on Monday 17th April in the Council Chamber, Islington Town Hall, Upper St. It starts at 7.30 pm and is open to the public.
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