Published: 14 September, 2012
by PETER GRUNER

CHILDREN – and quite a few parents ­– demonstrated on Wednesday in support of a much-loved purpose-built 16ft treehouse in Holloway, which is under threat.

The protest in Arundel Square was launched after Islington Council on Tuesday agreed to defer a decision on whether or not to remove the structure following complaints from nearby residents.

Some residents in penthouse flats in the square complain that they have lost their privacy because children who climb onto the top platform can peer into their homes.

As a result of the objections, the council must now apply for retrospective planning permission to itself. If councillors decide there’s a case for refusal then the structure, which cost thousands of pounds to design and install, will have to come down.

Supporters of the treehouse argue that it is some 40 feet away from the flats and residents concerned about privacy should put up curtains.

Local children say they would be extremely upset if the structure was taken down. James Thornton, eight, said: “We always look forward to playing on the treehouse. It’s the best thing in the park. Please, please don’t take it away.”

Lolita Lewis said her grandchildren also adored the treehouse and would be heartbroken if it were taken down. “It provides these children with fun, adventure and exercise and takes them away from the telly. We don’t want them to become couch potatoes.”