David Starkey objects to care home construction on Islington doorstep

Historian David Starkey has attacked council chiefs over plans to build a care home for adults and children with learning difficulties near his Victorian townhouse.

Dr Starkey claims his views will be “obliterated” by the building, which will be up to two storeys high.

Islington council wants to build the care home partly on open land close to his £1 million property, which is in a conservation area in Highbury.

The historian claims the council’s planning application would have been rejected if it had been submitted by a member of the public. The planning committee approved the demolition of former care home buildings and the construction of the new home of 13 flats. A wildlife garden will also be built on.

Dr Starkey, who lives with publisher and book designer James Brown, said there was “one rule for residents and one for Islington council”.

He said: “The site was regarded as so important in the past that any proposed developments nearby — including putting up a tiny staircase, for example — were refused by the council on the grounds that they would interfere with a view. Now the council themselves want to build on it.”

Dr Starkey said he may appeal after the application was “simply waved through”. He added: “There isn’t even a programme to manage and protect adjacent trees.”

Disabled campaigners support the scheme.

Clare Palmer, who chairs the Islington Disabled Consultative Group, said: “This is a desperately-needed facility where people with learning difficulties will have their own independent living accommodation with support from an on-site warden right in the heart of Islington.

"So many of our members have to travel miles to be with their loved ones.”

An Islington council spokesman said: “The concerns of local residents regarding a potential loss of daylight or privacy were carefully considered, however the planning committee felt that the height and scale of the building will prevent it impacting negatively on its neighbours.”