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Weekly updates
Islington: Holloway Prison Objections, GP Access Concerns & More
This week in Islington:
Holloway Prison Redevelopment Faces Objections Over Height and Density
Islington Council's Planning Committee approved a procedural amendment to the redevelopment of the former Holloway Prison site1, despite significant public opposition. Read the full story here.
- What's the change? The amendment moves details about the number of homes and building heights from the development description into planning conditions.
- Why the controversy? Critics fear this paves the way for future applications to increase building heights and the number of dwellings with less public scrutiny.
- Community concerns: The council received 58 objections, citing concerns about decreased sunlight, overdevelopment, increased traffic, and a lack of affordable housing.
- Applicant's justification: Peabody Construction Limited stated the amendment is an
enabling exercise
to allow for future changes required by the Building Safety Act and to adapt to viability and construction changes. - Council's defense: Planning officers argued the amendment is procedural and any material changes would require a detailed planning application with full public consultation.
- Councillor Diarmaid Ward's question: Councillor Ward asked how the applicant would reduce the number of social rent homes. Planning officers responded that the applicant would have to apply for a Section 73 application2 or a whole new application, and that they would have to provide a new viability assessment to justify the reduction.
-
Housing delayed is housing denied
: Lauren Thomas, an economist, argued that requiring the applicant to start from scratch would undermine new housing in Islington. - Chair's perspective: Councillor Martin Klute, Chair of the Planning Committee, acknowledged public suspicion but emphasized the amendment's procedural nature, driven by legislation and case law. He clarified that the second staircase legislation was not in place when the application was first approved, and that other major applications in the borough were facing the same problem.
This decision highlights the tension between facilitating development and addressing community concerns about density, height, and affordable housing, particularly in large-scale projects.
Health Board Approves Strategy Amidst Concerns Over GP Access and Mental Health
The Islington Health and Wellbeing Board approved its Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030, outlining priorities for improving residents' health and independence. Read the full story here.
- Strategy goals: The strategy aims to improve life expectancy, healthy life expectancy, and reduce health inequalities, focusing on four priority areas: Start Well, Live Well, Age Well, and Healthy Environments.
- Public consultation: Amendments were made following public consultation, including a greater focus on mental health, physical activity, and support for vulnerable groups.
- Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment: The board noted a draft assessment showing good access to pharmacies, but also highlighted resident confusion about when to seek pharmacy services.
- NHS Ten Year Plan: An update on the NHS ten-year plan emphasized neighbourhood health services, prevention, and GP access.
- GP access challenges: Councillor Michelline Safi-Ngongo, Executive Member for Children, Young People & Families, raised concerns about the difficulty of seeing a GP and the use of email consultations.
- Young Black Men's Mental Health Programme: The board discussed a program designed to improve mental health outcomes for young Black men, including school-based interventions and barber shop outreach.
- Cultural competency: Curtis Ashton, Director for Young Islington in the Council, reported that the System Change and Innovation Programme trained a number of partners across the system to be culturally competent, anti-racist, anti-discriminatory in approach. He said that this pillar will not be continued with going forward due to a lack of funding.
This meeting highlighted the council's commitment to addressing health inequalities and improving access to services, while also acknowledging ongoing challenges in primary care and mental health support.
Executive to Consider Peer Review Action Plan and Procurement Strategy
The Islington Council Executive is scheduled to meet to discuss an action plan responding to a Local Government Association (LGA) peer review, a procurement strategy for supported accommodation, and Article 4 Directions3. Read the full story here.
- LGA Peer Challenge: The Executive will consider an action plan to address recommendations from an LGA peer review, covering areas like leadership, governance, and financial planning.
- Supported Accommodation: The Executive will consider a procurement strategy for a support provider to manage No. 1 Stacey Street, a supported accommodation facility for 30 single people experiencing homelessness.
- Article 4 Directions: The Executive will be asked to confirm the second tranche of Article 4 Directions, which would withdraw permitted development rights for changes of use from Class E to dwelling houses.
- Progressive Procurement: The Executive will be asked to note the report and recommendations of the Corporate Resources and Economy Scrutiny Committee on supporting Islington's communities through progressive procurement.
These discussions reflect the council's focus on continuous improvement, addressing homelessness, and protecting local businesses and housing quality.
Other Matters
- The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss the 2024-25 Scrutiny Report, central government policy and reforms, and the 2025-26 Scrutiny Initiation Document. Read the full story here.
- The Licensing Committee convened to amend the membership of Licensing Sub-Committee D. Read the full story here.
Upcoming Meetings
- Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 22 July 2025 will discuss homelessness in Islington, tenant satisfaction measures, housing performance, and the committee's work programme for the coming year. Link to meeting
- Licensing Sub Committee C on Tuesday 22 July 2025 will consider applications relating to premises licences for Jiak Malaysian Street Food, SUD Italia, and Smokey Boys. Link to meeting
-
The former Holloway Prison site is located on Parkhurst Road, London, N7 0NU. ↩
-
A Section 73 application is an application made under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to develop land without complying with conditions previously attached to a planning permission. ↩
-
Article 4 Directions are directions made by local planning authorities under Article 4 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 which remove permitted development rights. ↩
Islington: Garden Approved, Healthwatch Abolished, PIP Cuts Debated
This week in Islington:
Community Garden Approved Despite Play Space Loss
Islington Council's Planning Sub-Committee B approved the conversion of a disused ball court on the Delhi Outram Estate into a communal garden and play area, even though it goes against the council's local plan. Read the full story here.
- Departure from policy: The council acknowledged the plan violates policy SC2 of the SDMP1 because it eliminates a play space without replacing it.
- Justification: Planning officers argued the ball court had been derelict for 20 years, and the community garden's benefits outweighed the loss.
- Youth engagement concerns: Councillor Diarmaid Ward questioned how young people would be involved, given the loss of play space. The planning officer said engagement wasn't required for the assessment.
- Community-led design: The applicant stated the garden would be co-designed with residents, in collaboration with Octopus Communities, and would include features like planters, benches, and a tool storage shed. They also stated that they had engaged with the Copenhagen Youth Project to involve young people in the project.
- Security worries: Councillor Benali Hamdache raised concerns about garden management and security. The applicant said Octopus Communities would manage it for nine months, then residents would take over.
- Youth voices: Councillor Clare Jeapes expressed a desire for future planning policy to ensure that youth voices are heard when considering the reduction of play spaces. She noted that sports are sometimes presented as an anti-social activity, rather than something to be encouraged.
This decision highlights the tension between providing community amenities and adhering to established planning policies, particularly regarding youth engagement and the provision of play spaces.
Health Committee Hears About Pharmacy First and Estates Strategy
The North Central London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) met to discuss community pharmacy services and the North Central London (NCL) estates and infrastructure strategy. Read the full story here.
- Pharmacy First: Almost all pharmacies in NCL offer the Pharmacy First service, providing advice and NHS medicines for seven common health conditions without a GP appointment.
- Self-Care Medicines Scheme: 84% of NCL patients using the Self-Care Medicines Scheme would have gone to their GP if the scheme wasn't available.
- NCL Estates Strategy: The ICB aims to invest in local care infrastructure, allocating 5% of ICS capital for prioritised local care schemes.
- Primary Care Baseline Analysis: A comparative assessment of GP practices showed a correlation between the quality of the estate and the service the general practice can provide.
These discussions highlight efforts to improve access to healthcare services and invest in local care infrastructure, but also point to challenges in securing capital funding and addressing health inequalities.
Pensions Board Discusses Fund Performance and Risk Management
The Islington Pensions Board met to discuss the pension fund's performance, administration, and risk management. Read the full story here.
- Fund Performance: The board reviewed the pension fund performance from 1 January to 31 March 2025, as detailed in the BNY Mellon interactive performance report and a presentation by Apex, the independent investment advisers, on the fund managers' quarterly performance.
- Pension Administration Performance: The Pensions Board reviewed the performance data for the administration activities of the council's Pensions Office, and to note the number of members auto-enrolled into the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), information on the Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP), compliments and complaints, any new Internal Audit Investigations, the Scheme Advisory Board Update, and developments on the Pensions Dashboard.
- Pension Fund Draft 2024/25 Year End Accounts: The Pensions Board reviewed the Funds 2024/25 draft year end accounts. The main highlights included an increase in net assets of £77 million to £2,038 million.
- Pensions Risk Register: The Pensions Board noted the contents of the report and revisions made to the Pensions Risk Register (PRR). The report pack stated that the PRR outlines the key objectives of the Islington Pension Fund and its administration, and establishes the methodology for implementing proactive risk management.
These discussions are crucial for ensuring the long-term financial security of Islington's pension fund members and managing risks associated with pension administration.
Healthwatch Islington Faces Abolition Amidst Strong Local Impact
The Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee heard about the upcoming abolition of Healthwatch England and the local Healthwatch network, while also learning about Healthwatch Islington's work and future plans. Read the full story here.
- Government announcement: The government announced that both Healthwatch England and the local Healthwatch network would be abolished, with patient engagement functions being split between local authorities and Integrated Care Boards (ICB).
- Healthwatch Islington's focus: Healthwatch Islington highlighted key areas of focus for the coming year, including increasing engagement with residents, working with demographics that Healthwatch Islington has not historically reached, and improving systems for recording demographics and measuring impact.
- Vaping concerns: Councillor Toby North raised the issue of vaping among young people, and asked if Healthwatch Islington had any insights from their conversations with young people on this topic. Ms Saksena responded that the messaging around vaping was
deeply confusing
for young people, as it is presented as a positive alternative for smokers but a dangerous choice for non-smokers. - Independence concerns: Councillor Marian Spall expressed her sadness at the news of the abolition of Healthwatch, and asked Ms Saksena about her hopes and fears for the future, and what councillors could do to help. Ms Saksena responded that one of the main concerns was where the independence would sit, and that councillors could look to protect some kind of independent scrutiny of services within the local area.
- Convening role: Councillor Benali Hamdache noted the convening role that Healthwatch plays in bringing together statutory health and voluntary community centre partners.
This news raises concerns about the future of independent patient advocacy and engagement in Islington, particularly for vulnerable communities.
Council Debates PIP Cuts, Private Renters, and Gaza
Islington Council discussed a range of topics at its meeting, including proposed cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), support for private renters, and the conflict in Gaza. Read the full story here.
- PIP Cuts: Councillor Phil Graham proposed a motion to oppose the Labour Government's proposed £5 billion cuts to PIP, arguing that these cuts would negatively impact disabled people, their families, local authorities, and the NHS.
- Private Renters: Councillor Jenny Kay proposed a motion to support private renters in Islington, noting that over a third of homes in Islington are privately rented and the challenges faced by private renters, including affordability and poor housing conditions.
- Gaza: Councillor Ilkay Cinko-Oner proposed a motion regarding Gaza and calling for an arms embargo. The motion was later withdrawn.
These discussions reflect the council's engagement with national policy issues and its commitment to addressing local challenges related to housing, social welfare, and international affairs.
Temporary Event Notice at Drip Sparks Noise Concerns
The Licensing Sub Committee A was scheduled to consider a temporary event notice (TEN) for Drip, 27 Clerkenwell Road, but no transcript was provided. Read the full story here.
- Noise complaints: The report pack stated that a number of noise complaints have been made to Islington's ASB Team since the current premises licence holder took over.
- Environmental Health objection: The Neighbourhood Engagement team objected to the TEN application because of breaches of a section 80 notice[^2].
- Change of use: The proposed use as a bar would require a change of use application, and there is no record of a corresponding application for this proposed change of use.
This case highlights the challenges of balancing commercial activity with the need to protect residents from noise and other disturbances.
Upcoming Meetings
- Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee on Monday 14 July 2025 will discuss the committee's scrutiny report for the year 2024-25, an introduction to central government policy and reforms, and the scrutiny initiation document for 2025-26. Link to meeting
- Licensing Committee on Monday 14 July 2025 will discuss changes to the membership of its sub-committees. Link to meeting
- Health and Wellbeing Board on Tuesday 15 July 2025 will discuss the Health and Wellbeing Strategy consultation outcomes, a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment update, the Young Black Men's Mental Health Programme, and the board's annual work plan. Link to meeting
- Planning Committee on Tuesday 15 July 2025 will consider a non-material amendment to a previously approved planning application concerning the redevelopment of the former Holloway Prison site. Link to meeting
- Executive on Thursday 17 July 2025 will discuss an action plan following a Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge, a procurement strategy for supported accommodation, and the confirmation of Article 4 Directions. Link to meeting
- Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 22 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Licensing Sub Committee C on Tuesday 22 July 2025. Link to meeting
-
SDMP is the
Strategic and Development Management Policies
document, which is part of Islington's Local Plan. ↩
Islington: Shop's Licence Revoked, Pension Funds, Dockless Bikes
This week in Islington:
Cally Local Faces Licence Revocation After Illicit Tobacco and Cannabis Find
The Licensing Sub Committee A met to review the premises licence for Cally Local, located at 490 Caledonian Road, following a closure order issued by Highbury and Islington Magistrates Court. Read the full story here.
- Closure Order: The closure order was issued after Islington Trading Standards officers and the Metropolitan Police Service discovered illicit tobacco products and cannabis during a visit.
- Licensing Authority's Concerns: Representations in support of the review application highlighted concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, and the promotion of public safety.
- Trading Standards' Findings: Alonso Ercilla, Trading Standards Manager, stated that Trading Standards had
no confidence that the licensing principles are or ever could be complied with by the premises licence holder,
urging the committee to revoke the licence. - Police's Request: PC Tim Livermore of the Police Licensing Team requested that the premises licence be revoked, stating that police had no confidence in the licence holder to act responsibly.
- Community Safety Concerns: Matthew Bunce, Community Safety Officer, noted drug-related anti-social behaviour hot spots in the area and expressed the view that the licence should be revoked to prevent further issues.
The Licensing Sub-Committee was to consider the evidence and determine the appropriate course of action, with the option to modify the licence conditions, exclude licensable activities, remove the designated premises supervisor, suspend the licence, or revoke it entirely. The decision in this case could have significant implications for the local community, potentially reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
This case echoes a previous incident where Nisa Local was granted an alcohol licence despite the location's history as The Royal Oak pub, which had its licence revoked in 20211.
Pension Fund Performance and Decarbonisation on the Agenda
The Islington Council Pensions Committee met to discuss pension fund performance, investment strategies, and decarbonisation efforts. Read the full story here.
- LGPS Consultation Outcome: The committee was scheduled to discuss the implications of the government's consultation outcome,
Fit For The Future,
which followed a Pensions Investment Review (PIR). - Pension Fund Performance: The committee was scheduled to review the pension fund's performance from 1 January to 31 March 2025, including a presentation by Apex, independent investment advisers, on fund managers' quarterly performance.
- Investment Strategy Review: The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the implementation of the agreed investment strategy, including progress on onboarding three impact managers and investing in the London CIV Private Credit mandate.
- Decarbonisation Policy Monitoring: The committee was scheduled to discuss the fund's progress in reducing its exposure to carbon-intensive companies and absolute emissions since 2016.
- London CIV Update: The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress made at the London CIV in launching funds, running portfolios, and reviewing governance and investment structure over the period February to May 2025.
These discussions are crucial for ensuring the long-term financial security of Islington's pension fund members and aligning investments with the council's commitment to tackling climate change, as outlined in its manifesto pledges.
Dockless Bikes Under Scrutiny for Pavement Obstruction
The Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee discussed concerns about dockless bikes obstructing pavements and the selection of a new scrutiny topic. Read the full story here.
- Pavement Obstruction: A member of the public, named Chaim, raised concerns about the obstruction of pavements by dockless bikes, particularly those operated by Lime and Forest, creating safety issues for pedestrians, especially those with disabilities and parents with young children.
- Council's Response: Councillor Owen Shampion, Executive Member for Environment, Equity and Transport, acknowledged the challenges and said that the council was working with Lime and Forest to address issues such as bike hacking and the rollout of bike bays.
- Public Safety Concerns: Councillor Clare Jeapes, Recycling Champion, raised concerns about people using the bikes to travel to pubs and then leaving them after drinking, potentially while intoxicated.
- New Scrutiny Topic: The committee decided to focus its next scrutiny review on waste reduction, recycling, and the circular economy2.
The committee's decision to monitor dockless bike programmes and support the council's efforts to regulate Lime and similar services aims to balance the benefits of cycling with the need to ensure pedestrian access and safety.
Other Matters
- The Corporate Resources and Economy Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the annual complaints report, the budget outturn report for 2024-25, and corporate performance. No video was provided. Read the full story here.
Upcoming Meetings
- Planning Sub Committee B on Monday 07 July 2025 will discuss a planning application for landscaping works to a disused ball court at Delhi Outram Estate, Vibart Walk. Link to meeting
- Islington Pensions Board on Monday 07 July 2025 will discuss pension fund performance, administration, and risk management. Link to meeting
- Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 08 July 2025 will discuss the Healthwatch Islington annual report and adult social care performance. Link to meeting
- on Thursday 10 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Health on Friday 11 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Licensing Committee on Monday 14 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee on Monday 14 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Planning Committee on Tuesday 15 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Health and Wellbeing Board on Tuesday 15 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Executive on Thursday 17 July 2025. Link to meeting
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The Licensing Sub Committee A approved a new premises licence for Nisa Local at 250 St Johns Way, despite the location's history as The Royal Oak pub, which had its licence revoked in 2021. ↩
-
A circular economy is a model of production and consumption that involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. ↩
Islington: Alcohol Licences Approved, Budget Balanced, AI Ethics
This week in Islington:
Nisa Local Granted Alcohol Licence Despite Past Revocation
The Licensing Sub Committee A approved a new premises licence for Nisa Local at 250 St Johns Way, despite the location's history as The Royal Oak pub, which had its licence revoked in 2021. Read the full story here.
- Applicant's commitment: Mr. Engin Aslan, the applicant, agreed to police recommendations, including maintaining an incident log, installing CCTV, and operating a 'Challenge 25' scheme1.
- Resident concerns addressed: After Mr. Aslan responded to their concerns, two residents withdrew their objections.
- Police support: The police withdrew their representation after Mr. Aslan agreed to incorporate their recommendations into the operating schedule.
- Previous issues: The Royal Oak's licence was revoked in 2021 following a police review.
This decision highlights the council's willingness to give new businesses a chance, even in locations with a troubled past, provided they demonstrate a commitment to responsible alcohol sales.
SX Cellers Approved in Cumulative Impact Area
The Licensing Sub Committee A also approved a new premises licence for SX Cellers at 65 Essex Road, despite its location in the Angel and Upper Street Cumulative Impact Area2. Read the full story here.
- Police satisfied: The police withdrew their representation after Mr. Ahmet Mutlu, the applicant, agreed to amend the proposed licensable hours and incorporate their recommendations.
- Cumulative Impact Area: The sub-committee had to consider Islington's Licensing Policy 3, which presumes refusal in cumulative impact areas unless the applicant demonstrates no adverse impact on licensing objectives.
- Conditions for approval: Conditions include maintaining an incident log, installing CCTV, and operating a 'Challenge 25' scheme.
This decision demonstrates the council's balancing act between supporting new businesses and managing the potential for cumulative negative impacts in areas with a high concentration of licensed premises.
Green Shop Licence Approved with Extended Hours
The Licensing Sub Committee A granted a new premises licence for Green Shop at 46 Newington Green, allowing alcohol sales for off-site consumption. Read the full story here.
- Police recommendations: Mr. Seref Demirci, the applicant, agreed to incorporate police recommendations into the operating schedule.
- Extended hours: The applicant was not willing to amend the application hours to the council framework hours.
- Planning support: The Planning and Development Section had no objection to the licence being granted on the terms specified in the application.
- Conditions for approval: Conditions include maintaining an incident log, installing CCTV, and operating a 'Challenge 25' scheme.
This decision shows the council's willingness to support businesses even when they seek hours outside the standard framework, provided they meet other requirements and address potential concerns.
Council Achieves Balanced Budget Amid Rising Temporary Accommodation Costs
Islington Council's Executive reviewed the 2024/25 budget outturn, achieving a balanced budget despite ongoing financial pressures. Read the full story here.
- Financial stability: Councillor Flora Williamson, Executive Member for Finance and Performance, hailed the balanced budget as a
really good news story.
- Temporary accommodation: Rising temporary accommodation costs remain a significant concern, although demand levels are starting to reduce slightly.
- Savings delivery: 68% of agreed budget savings were delivered in full, with 25% undelivered and 7% offset by other management actions.
- Reserves boost: A £5 million general contingency was not required and will be moved to earmarked reserves.
This achievement underscores the council's commitment to financial responsibility while navigating the challenges of increasing demand for services and external economic pressures.
Digital and Data Strategy Aims for Inclusivity and Efficiency
The Executive approved a new Digital and Data Strategy, aiming to create a digitally inclusive Islington. Read the full story here.
- Three missions: The strategy focuses on simplifying access to council services, empowering teams and partners, and harnessing data and collaboration.
- AI concerns: Concerns were raised about the potential pitfalls of AI, particularly regarding personal details and hallucinations.
- Ethics board: An ethics board is being established to address the ethical use of AI, and the council's acceptable use policy is being updated.
- Councillor involvement: Councillor Una O'Halloran, Leader of the Council, agreed to consider councillors' use of AI in member development.
This strategy aims to modernize council services and improve efficiency while addressing ethical considerations and ensuring digital inclusion for all residents.
Other Matters
- The Employment and Appointments Committee met to discuss the appointment of a Director of Planning and Development. Read the full story here.
- The Standards Committee discussed updates to member standards and conduct issues, including the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)'s consultation on strengthening sanctions for breaches of the Code of Conduct. Read the full story here.
- The Executive approved a procurement strategy for an operator to lease and manage an upcoming affordable workspace at Garrett Street, which will provide affordable workspace at up to 80% below market rate rents. Read the full story here.
- The Executive approved plans to convert vacant floors of 7 Newington Barrow Way into affordable temporary accommodation, creating 104 bed spaces of 32 units. Read the full story here.
- The Executive agreed to grant a 250-year lease to support housing delivery. Read the full story here.
- The Executive agreed to the effective utilisation of land at May Good Street, M1, to build genuinely affordable homes in Islington. Read the full story here.
- The Executive responded to the Health and Care Scrutiny Committee's review of access to health and care services in Islington. Read the full story here.
- The Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 24 June 2025 was cancelled. Link to meeting
Upcoming Meetings
- Pensions Committee on Monday 30 June 2025 will discuss pension fund performance and investment strategies. Link to meeting
- Licensing Sub Committee A on Monday 30 June 2025 will discuss a premises licence review for Cally Local. Link to meeting
- Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 01 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Corporate Resources and Economy Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 03 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Islington Pensions Board on Monday 07 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Planning Sub Committee B on Monday 07 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Audit and Risk Committee on Tuesday 08 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 08 July 2025. Link to meeting
- on Thursday 10 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Health on Friday 11 July 2025. Link to meeting
-
Challenge 25 is a retailing strategy that encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID (a card bearing the PASS hologram, a photographic driving licence or a passport) if they are buying alcohol. ↩
-
A cumulative impact area is an area where there is a concentration of licensed premises, and where the council believes that the number of licensed premises is having a negative impact on the local community. ↩
Islington Council: Roof Terrace Blocked, Play Spaces Prioritised
This week in Islington:
Roof Terrace Rejected Over Noise and Conservation Concerns
Islington's Planning Sub-Committee A refused permission for a roof terrace at 2-3 Hanover Yard, siding with residents who feared noise and damage to the conservation area1. Read the full story here.
- Residents' fears: Neighbours worried about noise, privacy loss, and the terrace's visual impact. Thomas Calverley, representing residents, argued the acoustic report was flawed and relied on
unrealistic assumptions.
- Council's view: The council's Design and Conservation team objected, stating the terrace,
partly surrounded by a 1.8m tall wooden structure, would increase dominance
and harm the area. - Applicant's defense: The applicant argued the terrace was revised to address concerns and would provide needed outdoor space for employees.
- Councillor Convery's stance: Councillor Paul Convery stated the scheme was too close to homes and would harm the conservation area.
This decision highlights the council's commitment to protecting residential amenity and preserving the character of conservation areas, even when balanced against potential benefits for businesses.
Middleton Mews Development Approved After Design Revisions
In contrast, the Planning Sub-Committee A approved a mixed-use building at 3 Middleton Mews, including residential and office space, after design revisions addressed previous concerns. Read the full story here.
- What's being built? The project involves demolishing a commercial garage and erecting a building with seven residential units and office space.
- Affordable housing contribution: The development will contribute £250,000 towards affordable housing.
- Resident concerns: Residents raised concerns about subsidence and the impact on trees.
- Applicant's assurance: The applicant stated the design was revised after six rounds of consultation and that they would accept a condition limiting the commercial space's use.
- Councillor Klute's view: Councillor Martin Klute stated that the designs were now
far more appropriate.
This approval demonstrates the council's willingness to support development that meets planning standards and contributes to the borough's housing and employment needs.
Children's Scrutiny Focuses on Play Spaces and Services
The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee has chosen play spaces and services as its main focus for the year, recognizing the importance of play for child development and well-being. Read the full story here.
- Why play? Councillor Claire Zammit, Arts Champion, emphasized play's role in early identification of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and as an equity issue.
- Mental well-being: Councillor Ernestas Jegorovas-Armstrong linked play to mental well-being for all ages.
- Community building: Councillor James Potts, Reading Champion, highlighted the importance of shared play spaces for community building.
- Islington's legacy: Councillor Convery noted Islington's history of adventure playgrounds and organizations like the Islington Play Association.
This scrutiny aims to improve play opportunities for children in Islington, addressing issues of access, safety, and inclusivity.
Other Matters
- The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee also reviewed the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) Annual Report for 2023-2024, and the Quarter Three Performance Report for Children and Young People's Services. Read the full story here.
Upcoming Meetings
- Licensing Sub Committee A on Thursday 26 June 2025 will discuss new premises licence applications for Green Shop, Nisa Local, and SX Cellers. Link to meeting
- Standards Committee on Thursday 26 June 2025 will discuss member standards and conduct issues. Link to meeting
- Pensions Committee on Monday 30 June 2025 will discuss pension fund performance and investment strategies. Link to meeting
- Licensing Sub Committee A on Monday 30 June 2025 will discuss a premises licence review for Cally Local. Link to meeting
- Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 01 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Corporate Resources and Economy Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 03 July 2025. Link to meeting
-
A conservation area is an area designated for its special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. ↩
Recent meetings
Licensing Sub Committee C - Tuesday, 22nd July, 2025 6.30 pm
The Licensing Sub Committee C met on 22 July 2025 to consider three applications for premises licences. These included a new premises licence for Jiak Malaysian Street Food, a new premises licence for SUD Italia, and a premises licence variation for Smokey Boys.
Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 22nd July, 2025 7.30 pm
The Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss homelessness in Islington, tenant satisfaction measures, housing performance, and the committee's work programme for the coming year. A significant portion of the meeting was expected to be dedicated to a review of homelessness in the borough.
Executive - Thursday, 17th July, 2025 5.00 pm
The Islington Council Executive met to discuss an action plan responding to the Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge, a procurement strategy for supported housing, and measures to protect commercial properties. They approved the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan, the procurement strategy for 1 Stacey Street, and the confirmation of Article 4 Directions. The Executive also noted the report from the Corporate Resources and Economy Scrutiny Committee on progressive procurement.
Health and Wellbeing Board - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 1.00 pm
The Islington Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, the Young Black Men's Mental Health Programme, and the NHS ten-year plan. The board approved the Health and Wellbeing Strategy for publication and noted the progress of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment.
Planning Committee - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 7.30 pm
The Islington Council Planning Committee met to discuss a non-material amendment to a previously approved planning application for the redevelopment of the former Holloway Prison site. The committee voted to approve the amendment, which allows the applicant to make future changes to the scheme more easily.
Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 14th July, 2025 7.00 pm
The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a report on persistent absence in secondary schools, upcoming central government policy changes, and a scrutiny initiation document on play spaces and services. The committee noted the scrutiny report, discussed the implications of the government's reforms to children's services, and agreed to provide comments on the scrutiny initiation document by September. The committee also agreed to move their April 2026 meeting to an earlier date.
Licensing Committee - Monday, 14th July, 2025 6.20 pm
The Islington Council Licensing Committee convened on 14 July 2025, confirming the minutes of their previous meeting and amending the membership of Licensing Sub-Committee D. Councillor Nurullah Turan was appointed as the Vice-Chair of Licensing Sub-Committee D.
Licensing Sub Committee B - Monday, 14th July, 2025 6.30 pm
This meeting has been cancelled.
Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Health - Friday, 11th July, 2025 10.00 am
The North Central London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) met to discuss community pharmacy services, the North Central London (NCL) estates and infrastructure strategy, and the committee's draft terms of reference and work programme. Councillor Joseph Croft and Councillor Tricia Clarke were the Islington Council nominees for the meeting. The meeting was scheduled to take place in Hendon Town Hall.
Council - Thursday, 10th July, 2025 7.15 pm
At a meeting of Islington Council, councillors discussed a range of issues including the impact of government cuts, the importance of social value in procurement, and support for private renters. Councillors voted to support motions on embedding social value and compliance in procurement, supporting private renters, and recognising the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and the local campaign to save the Upper Street Post Office. An original motion opposing cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) was amended and then carried.
Upcoming meetings
Licensing Sub Committee D - Thursday, 7th August, 2025 6.30 pm