This week in Islington:

Property Licensing Approved to Improve Housing Standards, Blue Badge Exemption Trial to Begin

Islington's Executive has approved significant changes to property licensing and blue badge policies, impacting both landlords and disabled residents. Read the full meeting details here.

Cracking Down on Poor Housing

The Executive agreed to implement discretionary property licensing schemes to improve the private rented sector. This includes:

• Borough-wide additional licensing of HMOs: This targets houses and flats occupied by three or four unrelated individuals sharing facilities, and buildings converted into flats that don't meet building standards.
• Selective licensing in seven wards: Barnsbury, Caledonian, Tufnell Park, Mildmay, Highbury, Junction, and Laycock wards will be subject to selective licensing, requiring landlords to obtain a license to rent out properties. Further work is planned for Canonbury and Clerkenwell wards before a decision is made.

Councillor John Woolf, Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, thanked officers for their work on these procurements which would enable residents to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.

This decision follows a consultation and aims to address issues highlighted in the Islington PRS Housing Stock Condition and Stressors Report, which revealed problems caused by poorly managed HMOs and privately rented accommodation. The council hopes that these measures will improve housing standards and protect tenants from exploitation.

Blue Badge Holders to Gain Access to LTNs in Trial

The Executive approved a trial of changes to the council’s Blue Badge traffic filter exemption policy. This trial will allow Islington residents who are Blue Badge holders to apply for exemption from traffic filters in all existing low traffic neighbourhoods¹ (LTNs) and all future liveable neighbourhoods² (LNs).

This decision aims to address concerns raised by disabled residents about access and mobility within the borough. The council will monitor the impacts of the trial and engage with affected groups before making any permanent changes to the exemption policy.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Changes Approved

The Executive agreed to a new Community Infrastructure Levy³ (CIL) allocation process. Available sums within the new Neighbourhood Improvement Fund, after allocation of top-ups, will be used to support a continuing Thriving Neighbourhoods programme.

The Executive noted the current and forecast reduction in developer contributions until 2027/28 will delay the commencement of a new Thriving Neighbourhoods fund and that the alternative option of delivering a saving from a CIL funding swap may need to be considered in the context of the Council's overall financial position at that point. The proposal will deliver a saving of around £66,000 from reduced borrowing costs as developer contributions return to historical levels. The previous position regarding how CIL is allocated from strategic developments on ward boundaries is to be rescinded. The updated Terms of Reference of the Borough Investment Panel are noted.

Other Matters

• The Employment and Appointments Committee met to discuss the appointment of a Director of Education and Achievement. No video was provided. Read more about the scheduled meeting here.
• The Environment, Climate Change and Transport Scrutiny Committee met to discuss household recycling rates and waste reduction. Read more about the scheduled meeting here.

Upcoming Meetings

• Licensing Sub Committee A will meet on Tuesday 04 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 04 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Corporate Resources and Economy Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 06 November 2025. Link to meeting

This week in Islington:

Nisa Local Alcohol Licence Sparks Debate Amid Cumulative Impact Concerns

Islington's Licensing Sub Committee D considered a new premises licence application for Nisa Local on Holloway Road, an area already designated as a Cumulative Impact Area¹. Read the full meeting details here.

• Cumulative Impact: The location falls within the Holloway Road and Finsbury Park Cumulative Impact Area, meaning there's a presumption against granting new licenses unless it can be proven the business won't worsen existing issues.
• Objections: The council received objections from the Metropolitan Police (later withdrawn after conditions were agreed), a local councillor, residents, a residents association, and business owners.
• Applicant's Profile: LA Foods (UK) Ltd, the applicant, described themselves as a family-run business with 20 sites in London, six of which sell alcohol 24/7.
• Proposed Conditions: Suggested conditions included CCTV, staff training, an incident log, and a 'Challenge 25' policy², aimed at preventing underage sales. This decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing business interests with community concerns about crime, disorder, and public nuisance in areas with a high concentration of licensed premises.

Pizza Hut Seeks Late-Night Refreshments, Faces Resident Pushback

The Licensing Sub Committee D also considered a premises licence variation for Pizza Hut on Upper Street, seeking to extend late-night refreshment hours until 3:00 AM. Read the full meeting details here.

• Cumulative Impact Area: The premises is located in the Angel and Upper Street Cumulative Impact Area.
• Nuisance Concerns: There have been past complaints about noise from delivery riders.
• Representations: Nine residents, the Police (representation later withdrawn), and the Council's noise service (representation also later withdrawn) submitted objections.
• Proposed Conditions: Conditions included CCTV, staff training, an incident log, a 'Challenge 25' policy, and measures to prevent noise from delivery drivers.

This application raises concerns about potential noise and disturbance for residents, particularly during late-night hours.

Andover Medical Centre Redevelopment Approved with Affordable Housing Boost

The Planning Committee approved the demolition of the existing Andover Medical Centre at 270-282 Hornsey Road and the construction of a six-storey mixed-use development, including a commercial unit and 23 residential units. Read the full meeting transcript here.

• Affordable Housing: 52% of the new homes will be secured as affordable housing.
• Medical Centre Relocation: The planning officer stated that the medical practice intended to move to new premises at 7 Newington Barrow Way in December.
• Community Facilities: Councillor James Potts welcomed the delivery of 79 homes, including 50% affordable housing, and the addition of community facilities such as a new library and GP surgery.

This decision aims to address the need for both housing and community facilities in the area.

Other Matters

• The Employment and Appointments Committee met to discuss shortlisting candidates for the Director of Education and Achievement position. No video was provided. Read more about the scheduled meeting here.
• The Islington Pensions Board met to discuss the pension fund's performance, administration, and future work programme. No video was provided. Read more about the scheduled meeting here.
• The Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee discussed adult social care performance, the Adult Social Care transformation programme, and a whole-council approach to healthy weight. No video was provided. Read more about the scheduled meeting here.
• The Planning Committee approved the demolition of the existing building at 30 Bastwick Street and the construction of a four-storey building, plus basement levels, with commercial floorspace and seven residential dwellings. Read the full meeting transcript here.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Employment and Appointments Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 21 October 2025 to discuss the appointment of a Director of Education and Achievement. Link to meeting
• The Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 21 October 2025 to discuss household recycling rates and waste reduction. Link to meeting
• The Executive is scheduled to meet on Thursday 23 October 2025 to discuss a range of issues, including housing, transport, and community investment. Link to meeting

This week in Islington:

Security Upgrades Approved for Wilfrid Feinberg Court Amid Resident Concerns

Islington's Planning Sub Committee B has unanimously approved a planning application to install security gates, relocate refuse bins, and move a vehicle barrier at Wilfrid Feinberg Court, a council-owned residential estate. Read the full meeting transcript here.

• Security Focus: The project aims to reduce anti-social behaviour, particularly in the entrance porch area, and address fly-tipping.
• Resident Objections: Some residents questioned the validity of a petition supporting the plans, citing residents who didn't sign or had moved. Concerns were also raised about the bin relocation impacting the conservation area and access to the car park.
• Applicant Response: The applicant stated the goal was to improve sight lines and deter unwanted activity, committing to ongoing consultation with residents.
• Councillor Involvement: Councillor Diarmaid Ward secured a commitment from the applicant to meet with ward councillors and residents for further discussions.
• Committee Support: Despite some confusion about the consultation process, the committee supported the application as a way to manage long-term security and refuse arrangements.

The main driver of the project, really, that we got it was to improve antisocial behaviour that was taking place, and it was particularly identified that the antisocial behaviour was taking place in the entrance to the covered porch and directly outside it.

This decision highlights the council's efforts to improve safety and security for residents, while also addressing concerns about the impact on the local environment and the importance of community engagement.

Council Scrutinizes Budget, Performance, and Future Strategy

The Corporate Resources and Economy Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss a range of critical issues, including the Leader's annual report, corporate performance, budget monitoring, financial strategy, and key decisions. No video was provided. Read more about the scheduled meeting here.

• Leader's Report: The report was set to highlight achievements against the five missions outlined in Islington Together 2030 and the Islington Together Delivery Plan 2024-2026, including progress on child-friendly initiatives, empowering people, providing safe homes, community wealth building, and creating a greener, healthier Islington.
• Corporate Performance: The committee was scheduled to review the council's performance against the Delivery Plan 2024-26, identifying areas where performance is strong and areas needing improvement.
• Budget Monitoring: The committee was scheduled to discuss the Revenue Budget Monitoring report for the first quarter of 2025/26, including forecasts for the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA).
• Financial Strategy: The committee was scheduled to discuss the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) Update report, considering medium- and longer-term considerations arising from the in-year budget monitoring process, emerging risks and issues, and the ongoing medium-term budget process.
• Key Decisions: The committee was scheduled to review the Forward Plan of Key Decisions, which sets out key decisions to be taken by the Executive and Corporate Directors within the next 28 days, as well as potential key decisions beyond that period.

These discussions are crucial for ensuring the council's financial stability and its ability to deliver essential services to Islington residents.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Islington Pensions Board is scheduled to meet on Monday 13 October 2025. Link to meeting
• The Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday 14 October 2025. Link to meeting
• The Executive will meet on Tuesday 14 October 2025. Link to meeting
• The Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 16 October 2025. Link to meeting
• Licensing Sub Committee D will meet on Thursday 16 October 2025. Link to meeting

This week in Islington:

Charlotte Despard Saved: Licence Review Rejected After Violent Incident

The Licensing Sub Committee A decided against modifying or revoking the premises licence for The Charlotte Despard, a pub on Archway Road, despite serious concerns raised by the Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority following a violent incident in February. Read the full meeting transcript here.

• Police Concerns: The police cited a horrific incident where staff were violently assaulted, missing CCTV footage, and a perceived lack of cooperation from the licence holder, Christopher Sparks. They initially sought updated licence conditions but later urged revocation, stating they had no confidence in the licence holders' ability to uphold licensing objectives.
• Licensing Authority Support: Terry Lane, Licensing Authority, supported the police position, citing a poor attitude and hostility to authorise officers and the lack of constructive engagement from the licence holder.
• Community Support: Numerous residents and patrons attested to the pub's importance as a community hub and safe space. Steve Kennedy, a patron present during the incident, disputed the police's description of events. Dr Javaria Siddiqui, a local resident, stated she had never felt unsafe there and that Chris Sparks had even walked her home on occasions when she felt unsafe.
• License Holders' Response: Amber Knight, one of the owners, apologised for the situation and attributed any misunderstandings to a serious head injury she sustained during the assault. She explained the missing CCTV footage was due to a technical glitch. Chris Sparks described a timeline of judgement and character assassination by the police licensing team, and stated that he felt discriminated against due to his neurodivergence.
• Committee Decision: Despite the concerns, the committee decided against modifying or revoking the licence, deeming such actions disproportionate. Councillor Heather Staff, Chair of Licensing Committee and Migrants Champion, urged the licence holders to pay close attention to the existing conditions on their licence. The committee welcomed the offer from Amber Knight and Chris Sparks to transfer the licence solely into Amber Knight's name, hoping this would lead to a better working relationship with the authorities.

The police are saying they have no confidence that if there is a spark at this place those responsible for maintaining peace promoting the licensing objectives are not able to do so

This decision highlights the complex balancing act between addressing serious safety concerns and supporting valued community spaces. The committee's emphasis on improved communication and adherence to licence conditions will be crucial in ensuring the Charlotte Despard remains a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Morley's Chicken Licence in Doubt Amid Cumulative Impact Concerns

The Licensing Sub Committee C was scheduled to meet to consider a new premises licence for Morley's Chicken on Junction Road, but no video was provided. Read more about the scheduled meeting here.

• Late-Night Refreshment: Chicken Hunger Limited sought permission to supply late-night refreshment until 1:00 AM Sunday to Thursday and until 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Cumulative Impact Area: The premises is located in the Junction Cumulative Impact Area, where there is a presumption against granting new licences that could worsen existing problems.
• Representations: The council's licensing service, the police, the council's noise service, a local ward councillor, the Better Archway Forum, and a local resident had submitted representations regarding the application.
• Concerns: Concerns were raised about potential public nuisance, disturbance to residents, increases in crime and anti-social behaviour, and the impact on families and young residents. The Licensing Authority noted that the applicant had not provided any information in the operating schedule as to how the premises would be operated and managed during the late hours applied for.

This application raises important questions about how the council balances the needs of businesses with the well-being of residents, particularly in areas already experiencing the negative impacts of a high concentration of licensed premises.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Corporate Resources and Economy Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 09 October 2025. Link to meeting
• The Islington Pensions Board is scheduled to meet on Monday 13 October 2025. Link to meeting
• The Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday 14 October 2025. Link to meeting
• The Executive will meet on Tuesday 14 October 2025. Link to meeting
• The Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 16 October 2025. Link to meeting
• Licensing Sub Committee D will meet on Thursday 16 October 2025. Link to meeting