Islington Council's Planning Sub-Committee B met on 7 July 2025, and approved a proposal to convert a disused ball court on the Delhi Outram Estate into a community garden and play area, despite the plans representing a departure from the council's local plan. The committee agreed to the plans subject to 11 conditions, including the securing of the final landscaping layout and inclusive design features.

Delhi Outram Estate Ball Court Redevelopment

The main item on the agenda was a proposal to redevelop a disused ball court on the Delhi Outram Estate, located off York Way and Copenhagen Street. The plan involves landscaping works to create a communal garden space, including a wildlife garden and a growing area. The existing high-level mesh fencing would be removed, and new entrance gates and window openings would be added to the brick walls surrounding the court.

The council's planning officer, Marc Davis, explained that the ball court had been out of use for at least 20 years and had fallen into disrepair. He noted that the proposals represent a departure from the local plan, as they involve the loss of a sports facility without equivalent replacement. However, he argued that the benefits of the new community space outweighed this loss, citing a Community Needs Assessment (CNA) that highlighted the reasons for the ball court's disuse and the availability of alternative facilities nearby.

Councillor Diarmaid Ward asked about the natural play structures included in the design. The applicant explained that these would include sensory play equipment and a low-level play trail with wooden logs and other features suitable for younger children.

Councillor Ben Mackmurdie asked why the council had decided not to resurface the play area. The applicant responded that a community consultation process had revealed strong resident support for a community garden rather than a reinstated sports facility. They added that residents living near the site had raised concerns about noise, loitering, and anti-social behaviour associated with the ball court.

Councillor Hamdache asked how the council had justified departing from planning policy, which generally seeks to retain ball courts. The planning officer explained that the long-term disuse and poor condition of the ball court were key factors in the decision to allow the departure from policy.

The applicant stated that Octopus Communities, an organisation focused on urban greening, had been contracted for nine months to support the project and work with residents. After this period, a resident-led group would take over responsibility for access and maintenance.

The committee discussed concerns about the long-term management and security of the space, referencing similar challenges on other estates. Councillor Ward noted that relying solely on individual residents to manage access could lead to issues. The applicant acknowledged these concerns and confirmed that a management plan condition had been included as part of the planning approval.

Despite the concerns raised, the committee ultimately agreed that the benefits of the proposed community garden outweighed the loss of the disused ball court. Councillor Martin Klute, Chair of the Planning Committee, proposed to support the application, and Councillor Ward seconded the proposal. The application was approved unanimously, subject to the 11 conditions outlined in the officer's report.

Other Matters

The agenda for the meeting also included introductions, apologies for absence, declarations of substitute members and interests, agreement on the order of business, and approval of the minutes of the previous meeting. Councillor Ruth Hayes, Chair of Environment, Climate Change and Transport Scrutiny Committee, sent apologies for absence. Councillor Mackmurdie was present as a substitute member.