EXCLUSIVE: Gambier House in Islington is one of nine proposed traveller sites in the Labour-run borough.
The 10-bay car park could become a permanent travellers’ site. (Image: Humphrey Nemar)
Residents are furious after a lefty council made the “hairbrained” decision to turn car parking into a travellers’ site. Labour-run Islington Council has proposed nine potential travellers’ sites in the borough, which could provide up to 13 permanent pitches.
The plans have enraged residents of sites identified as potential locations, with land currently used by locals likely to be transformed into permanent accommodation for members of the traveller community. Under the Housing Act 2004, local authorities are required to assess Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs and include them in broader housing strategy and planning. But residents of Gambier House, a block of flats set to use a car park used by residents, believe that the plans target the working class specifically.
Residents Kathleen and Dennis Meeks were furious at the plans. (Image: Humphrey Nemar)
Islington Council is inviting feedback from residents. (Image: Humphrey Nemar)
Kathleen Meeks, 80, was one of Gambier House’s first residents when she and her husband moved into the flat in 1968.
She told the Daily Express: “This wouldn’t happen in other boroughs. Can you imagine this in Kensington? They wouldn’t even consider it.”
She added: “Somebody has made this stupid decision. I am sure there is someone sitting in the Local Government thinking, ‘how can I upset people today?’ Then they come up with these hairbrained schemes.”
Under the proposals, a ten-bay car park on Mora Street, which runs adjacent to the flats, will be transformed into a permanent traveller site with a static caravan, a single-story amenity building with kitchen, bathroom and utilities and space for a touring caravan and a car.
The council is currently seeking comments and holding consultation meetings over the coming months to gather the views of residents affected.
Kathleen’s husband, Dennis, 81, holds little hope that his views and those of his neighbours will be listened to.
He added: “They’re a left-wing borough. It is a Labour Council, so what do you expect? They come up with these hairbrained schemes.
Dozens of residents told the Daily Express that they strongly objected to the plans. (Image: Humphrey Nemar)
Islington Council has sent information to affected sites (Image: -)
“Every now and again, they come up with something stupid; they’re always trying to build on land around here, even if there is no chance.”
“The consultation process is just them going through the motions, that’s all it is.
“This is rubber-stamped, and it is going to go ahead, I don’t care what anybody says. It is not up for discussion. I really resent the council doing this to us.”
Philomena Mongan, a Hackney-based Irish Traveller advocating for the community, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service families were “very happy” to see the new sites put forward for consultation.
In response to derogatory remarks making reference to racial stereotypes, which were removed from the official consultation report Ms Mongan said: “They don’t realise these families have a lot of history in Islington and have been there a long time.”
Cllr Santiago Bell-Bradford, Islington Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, Culture and Jobs, said: “Islington is proud of its long history as a welcoming borough which draws strength from its diversity.
“Gypsy and Traveller residents have long been part of the borough’s social fabric, but have historically faced significant difficulty in finding suitable housing and accessing services.
“It’s absolutely right that we, along with every other local council, meet the needs of all communities. We also have a legal duty to do so, under national planning rules and the Equality Act.
“The sites we’ve identified would provide permanent homes for Gypsy and Traveller families, and they will pay rent, council tax and utility bills just like other residents.
“I know these proposals raise important questions for residents, and we’re committed to creating a space for respectful, constructive dialogue. I want to be clear that no decisions have been made yet. We will carefully consider all feedback as part of the Local Plan Review.
“If the Council decides to proceed with this site following consultation, a planning application will be required, which will give residents a further opportunity to formally comment on the proposal.”
