Malika Hibu
7 Aug 2024 · Coroner ME Hassell · Inner North London
The coroner's concerns
1. lack of protective railing at canal edge
“The railing next to the canal afforded no protection against the water for a small child. In fact, an adult could easily fit through it.”
2. unsafe barrier at canal edge
“- did not know where its ownership boundary finished; - did not risk assess the barrier to the canal; - did not act on complaints made by residents about the barrier; - having noticed in October 2023 that the barrier was unsafe, did not attempt to make it safer and did not make any significant attempt to ask anyone else to make it safer”
3. inadequate safety consideration in planning approval
“when the planning application for the 2015 housing development was considered in the first place, no consideration was given to the safety of the barrier as part of the development”
4. lack of mandatory safety requirements for developments near hazards
“paragraph 135(f) could include a requirement that when development takes place in proximity to open water, railways and other hazards, special regard should be paid to ensuring the safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults”
Responses
2024-0432-Response-from-Islington-Council.pdf ↗· Islington Borough Council
2024-0432-Response-from-Mayor-of-London-Greater-London-Authority.pdf ↗· Mayor of London
Stated action · 2027
“The Mayor will consider the concerns raised in the PFD report through his review of the London Plan and members of the public will also have an opportunity to submit any comments as part of the consultation.”
2024-0432-Response-from-MHCLG.pdf ↗· Peabody Trust
Stated action · 12 December 2024
“additional policy has been added to paragraph 102 a) setting out that the safety of children and other vulnerable users in proximity to open water, railways and other potential hazards should be considered in planning and assessing proposals for development”
2024-0432-Response-from-Peabody-Trust.pdf ↗· Peabody Trust