The Barnsbury scandal
Sir: As chairman of the Barnsbury Association I would like to congratulate you on the splendid article by Patrick Hutber, 'The Barnsbury Scandal' (3 March).
The association was formed as a charitable non- political association under the aegis of the Civic Trust because residents in the area had no idea of the future plans for the area.
We have over 400 members from all walks, but
are particularly fortunate in having a large number of architect/planners among our membership. Throughout our 'battle' with the authorities we have tried to be constructive and to assist in the pilot 'environmental planning' of our borough proposed by Mr Crossman.
Throughout the period, however, our offers of
help have been rejected either flatly or by impli- cation, while at the same time all planning bodies and departments of government are agreeing that residents should be consulted in theory—but our experience has been that we are intruders and that 'they' can plan our homes and environment without reference to us.
Unless this 'pilot' study really succeeds and residents are genuinely consulted not only will a great opportunity have been missed but the chance of working out the proper relationship which should exist between 'planner' and 'planned for' will have been rejected by Mr Greenwood.
This balance between residents and authorities must be worked out. Here is a unique chance. Few areas have such a strong residents' association, both in numbers and talents—is this possibly the reason for our rejection?
T. W. Blyth Chairman, Barnsbury Association 20 Brooksby Street, London NI
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