The Planning Committee of Islington Council met on Tuesday 13 October 2026. The committee discussed two planning applications: the Harvist Estate Development and the Elia Mews Car Park Change of Use.

Harvist Estate Development

The committee considered the erection of two two-storey terraces to provide 24 new homes for social rent on the Harvist Estate, Citizen Road. The development includes 20 houses and maisonettes, along with four ground-floor wheelchair-accessible flats. This council-led project aims to address local housing needs, providing 100% social rent units, exceeding affordable housing requirements.

Key considerations included the design, which was noted as similar to a previously approved scheme but with improvements. The proposal incorporates 462sqm of playspace and significant landscaping, including 70 new trees, contributing to a high Urban Greening Factor score of 0.65. The development targets a BREEAM New Construction: Residential 4 Star rating and connection to an estate energy centre, projected to achieve a 58% reduction in regulated emissions.

Concerns were raised regarding daylighting for 17 rooms and the provision of private amenity space for 14 homes. However, the committee concluded that the benefits of providing much-needed affordable family housing and public realm improvements outweighed these concerns. Amendments to conditions related to construction vehicle restrictions during school drop-off times and the setting of a target for whole-life carbon assessment, aligning with London Plan minimum standards, were approved.

Elia Mews Car Park Change of Use

The committee considered the change of use of the Elia Mews car park to a mixed use comprising a self-storage facility and retained car parking spaces. The proposal involves the removal of 80 car parking spaces, with 22 retained for operational needs and Islington Council use, aligning with the council's policy to reduce car parking.

Objectors raised concerns about the loss of parking, increased traffic, noise, fire safety, and the cumulative impact of losing parking facilities. They argued that the site is the last remaining functional off-street car park in the Angel area and that the proposed self-storage facility would not provide a local social amenity. Concerns were also raised about access to utilities and communal services for residents in the block above the car park.

Officers and the applicant addressed these concerns, noting that the self-storage units are small, limiting vehicle size. An operational management plan and conditions were proposed to mitigate noise and ensure customer notification of height restrictions. Fire safety aspects were reviewed by the London Fire Brigade and Building Control. A legal agreement will secure unrestricted access for the council's housing department for maintenance and emergency repairs. An amendment to the Section 106 heads of terms was agreed to ensure free access to services equipment.

The committee acknowledged the loss of parking but noted that development plan policy T3 encourages the loss of car parking provision and supports the redevelopment of underutilised car parks. The committee concluded that the proposed use, with appropriate conditions and legal agreements, would not have an unacceptable impact on the surrounding highway network or neighbouring amenity. The decision was made in line with the development plan's aim to reduce car parking and repurpose existing infrastructure.