The Islington Planning Committee convened to discuss two planning applications: one concerning the Andover Medical Centre and another regarding 30 Bastwick Street. The committee unanimously approved both applications, with a minor amendment to the privacy measures at Bastwick Street.

30 Bastwick Street

The committee considered an application for the demolition of the existing building at 30 Bastwick Street and the construction of a four-storey building, plus basement levels, comprising commercial floorspace and seven residential dwellings.

The planning officer noted that the application was similar in design to two previous approved applications for the site, with the primary difference being the change of use of the top three floors from office to residential. He advised that the committee was only at liberty to consider the principle of the change of use and any different amenity impacts that would result from that change of use.

Several local residents voiced objections to the scheme, citing concerns over:

• potential light obstruction
• lack of greenery
• privacy
• accessibility
• potential for short-term lets
• cumulative impact of other developments in the area, specifically 44 Pear Tree Street
• noise during construction
• ground movement during excavation

The applicant responded, stating that the scheme presented a fantastic opportunity to deliver much-needed office space and new homes, while repairing an obvious gap in the street scene. The applicant's architect, Chris Bowen, addressed the privacy concerns, explaining the privacy measures that would be built into the scheme, including a boundary wall to prevent overlooking. The applicant also assured the committee that the scheme had been tested for cumulative effects, and that a construction management plan would be put in place to address noise concerns.

Councillor Diarmaid Ward raised the issue of short-term lets, but officers confirmed that there were already controls in place to prevent this.

Councillor North asked about the green wall, and the applicant responded that the proposal was to put some green wall internally within the office space.

Councillor Lander asked about ground movement, and the applicant responded that a structural method statement had been submitted with the application.

Councillor Klute, Chair of the Planning Committee, raised the issue of cumulative daylight impact, and officers confirmed that this had been discussed in detail for the previous application. He also asked the applicant to pay attention to the issue of overlooking from higher floors of adjoining buildings.

During deliberation, Councillor Klute noted that the scheme would intensify the business use on the site, and that the character of the area was characterised by mixed use. He also noted that the height of the building was already approved, and that the concerning points had been covered off.

The committee then voted to approve the application, with an amendment to the privacy measures to protect the future occupiers of the development.

Andover Medical Centre

The committee then considered an application for the demolition of the existing single-storey Andover Medical Centre at 270-282 Hornsey Road and the erection of a six-storey mixed-use development, including a commercial unit and 23 residential units.

The planning officer updated the committee, noting that the medical practice intended to move to new premises at 7 Newington Barrow Way in early December. The officer also noted that there was a letter of support for the scheme, and a follow-up from the same person questioning whether affordable housing was appropriate. Finally, the officer noted that they had forgotten to put in the standard biodiversity net gain informative¹.

Joe Lobor, a local resident, objected to the application, raising concerns about:

• the loss and uncertain replacement of the medical centre
• inadequate and misleading affordable housing provision
• poor consultation and lack of community engagement
• lack of environmental and energy details
• overdevelopment and poor fit with local context

The applicant, Jonathan Greenberg of JG Town Planning, responded that the scheme had been shaped through several years of engagement with the council, the Integrated Care Board, and local stakeholders. He added that the existing Andover Medical Centre was expected to relocate in December 2025 to new, larger, modern premises, ensuring continuity of healthcare provision.

Councillor Hayes asked the applicant about the level of engagement with the local community, and the applicant responded that they had undertaken extensive consultation prior to submission.

Councillor Klute stated that the fact that the medical centre might move to somewhere else was a bit of a red herring in terms of the committee's considerations.

Councillor Combray raised concerns about the removal of four maple trees on the site, which had been protected by a tree preservation order². The planning officer responded that the trees would be replaced with seven new trees, and that this had been agreed with the tree officer.

During deliberation, the committee agreed that the affordable housing offer was policy compliant, and that all of the apartments had good daylighting. The committee also agreed that the medical centre would either be reinstated in the building or move down the road.

Councillor Klute proposed to approve the application, and the committee voted unanimously in favour.