Mayor Boris gives the thumbs-up to Ashmount move

THE MAYOR of London has approved plans to allow Ashmount Primary School to move on to land adjoining Crouch End s Parkland Walk. Islington Council granted planning permission to the primary school so that it could move from its current site in Ashmount Ro

THE MAYOR of London has approved plans to allow Ashmount Primary School to move on to land adjoining Crouch End's Parkland Walk.

Islington Council granted planning permission to the primary school so that it could move from its current site in Ashmount Road onto land currently occupied by Bowlers Community Nursery and the Cape Youth Project in Crouch Hill.

But because the land is classified as Metropolitan Open Land, Boris Johnson had to agree before the �15million plan could progress.

Mr Johnson wrote in a letter to Islington Council last Thursday stating: "Having now considered a report on this case I am content to allow Islington Council to determine the case itself, subject to any action the Secretary of State may decide to take, and do not therefore wish to direct refusal."

David Barry, chairman of governors at Ashmount, said: "Of course we are all very pleased. Crouch Hill is a very special place and in need of responsible and careful stewardship. The plans put forward contained carefully worked out ways in which this could be done. Clearly the Mayor has recognised this.

"We look forward to having both a building and a location which will match the fine standards already achieved educationally by the headteacher, teachers, and classroom assistants of Ashmount School. We also look forward to working with our partners on the site."

Members of the Ashmount Site Action Group are opposed to the move and want the school refurbished on its current site. It is understood they are now planning to launch an appeal with the Secretary of State and are requesting a full public enquiry.