Residents split over treehouse that council built without permission

A treehouse erected by council bosses who forgot to obtain planning permission from themselves has started a “war” between residents of a north London square.

Islington council commissioned the structure, which cost nearly £36,000, six months ago, but it has been overshadowed by a row that has polarised the community.

Families, including that of Room With A View actor Rupert Graves, who want the play facilities for their children are fighting residents who complain about noise and being overlooked from the structure.

Now the treehouse in Arundel Square in Barnsbury, which consists of three wooden platforms built around the trunk of a London plane tree, has been vandalised amid rumours of sabotage.

Bolts holding up a climbing net were removed on Friday, rendering the structure virtually unusable.

The conflict began when a resident of a new block of flats at the square complained about the treehouse.

It then emerged that the council’s leisure department had failed to apply for planning permission. Officials have since applied for retrospective permission but may have to tear it down if consent is not granted.

A petition to save it has already gained more than 330 signatures.

Resident Kira Phillips, a documentary film-maker, said: “It’s a war between the local families, who make use of the park, and the yuppie residents of the new flats who want a view of nature minus children. It’s the dark side of gentrification.”

Graves, 49, a married father of five, said: “To remove it because of a few people’s unfounded worries would be a criminal waste of money and resources, and a terrible capitulation on behalf of the council.”

Another resident, Jo Morris, said: “I don’t really understand how somebody can be so miserable about a piece of children’s play equipment.”

But resident Olivia Cole said in her complaint to the council: “I can’t tell you how disappointed I am. My main concern is that I am now overlooked by users of this structure.