The Islington Council Planning Committee met on Thursday 10 September 2026 to discuss three planning applications. The committee granted planning permission for the erection of a new four-storey office building at Edward Rudolph House. Planning permission was also granted for a change of use at The Gilbert, Finsbury Square, to allow for flexible use as either office space or for indoor competitive socialising. Planning permission was also granted for a two-storey roof extension to iQ Student Accommodation on Isledon Road.

Edward Rudolph House, 69-85 Margery Street

The committee granted planning permission for the erection of a new four-storey office building at Edward Rudolph House. The decision followed an appeal that allowed planning permission for a similar scheme in October 2024. A key difference in the current application is the omission of affordable workspace provision due to viability concerns, as evidenced by a financial viability assessment independently reviewed by BPS. While officers acknowledged this loss, they concluded that the scheme's benefits, including the regeneration of a brownfield site and the provision of employment floorspace, outweighed the identified harms. Councillor Diarmaid Ward proposed amendments to conditions regarding BREEAM rating and the exploration of greywater recycling, which were carried. Councillor North proposed a motion to grant planning permission, which was seconded by Councillor Emerson and carried.

The Gilbert, 40 Finsbury Square

Planning permission was granted for a change of use at The Gilbert, located at 40 Finsbury Square, to allow the lower ground floor to be used flexibly as either office space or for indoor competitive socialising, including ancillary bar, restaurant, and retail facilities. The proposal also included the introduction of ventilation extraction plant and equipment. Environmental Health raised no objections, and the application was considered acceptable in terms of design, heritage, and neighbouring amenity, given the predominantly commercial context. Councillor North proposed a unilateral undertaking for financial contribution towards the provision of short-stay cycle parking in the vicinity of the site, which was seconded by Councillor Emerson and carried unanimously.

iQ Student Accommodation, 201 Isledon Road

The committee granted planning permission for a two-storey roof extension to the existing iQ Student Accommodation building on Isledon Road, to provide an additional 92 student bed spaces. The proposal includes 32 affordable student rooms, exceeding the policy requirement, and will be subject to a nominations agreement ensuring occupancy by students from higher education providers. The design of the extension was considered sympathetic to the existing building and would not harm the setting of the nearby Grade II* listed former Rainbow Theatre. Sustainability measures, including extensive green roofs and solar panels, were noted as positive aspects. Councillor Jonathan Ward proposed amendments to conditions regarding tree planting and greening opportunities, which were unanimously approved. Councillor North proposed a motion to grant planning permission, which was seconded by Councillor Emerson and carried unanimously.