The Islington Council Planning Sub-Committee B convened to discuss and approve a planning application for improvements to Wilfred Fienburgh Court, a council-owned residential estate. The approved plans include installing security gates and railings, relocating refuse bins to a new secure store, and repositioning the vehicle barrier. Councillors voted unanimously to approve the application, subject to conditions outlined in the officer's report.

Wilfred Fienburgh Court Planning Application

The committee reviewed an application for planning permission for the installation of railings and a fobbed access entrance gate to securely enclose the existing entrance porch; relocation of refuse bins to side of vehicle access route; and associated relocation of vehicle barrier to allow for refuse access at Wilfred Fienburgh Court, 77 Carleton Road, London, N7 0EX.

The planning officer explained that the proposal related to the St. George's Avenue elevation of the estate and included:

• Installing security gates and railings to enclose the undercroft entrance to prevent unauthorised access and reduce antisocial behaviour. The stainless steel gate and fences would be finished in a bronze colour.
• Relocating the refuse bins to a new secure bin store adjacent to the vehicle access road. The bin enclosure would have a galvanised coated frame and would be finished in anthracite grey cladding, and fitted with fire rated linings.
• Moving the existing vehicle barrier further down the access road to allow easier access for refuse trucks. The barrier would be of the same design and serve the same purpose.

The planning officer recommended that planning permission be approved subject to conditions.

Councillor Benali Hamdache, Leader of the Independent and Green Group, asked for clarification that the relocated vehicle barrier would be of the same design as the existing one. The planning officer confirmed this, adding that the relocation aimed to improve access for refuse trucks to the new bin store. Councillor Hamdache also asked whether the plans would change pedestrian access to the estate, and the planning officer confirmed that access would remain the same, with the addition of the new gate.

Objections

Alex Keel, a resident of Wilfred-Feinberg Court since 2012, raised concerns about the validity of a petition supporting the application, stating that many residents did not sign it or had moved since it was circulated. Alex Keel also highlighted issues with drug dealers from other estates accessing the car park and suggested completely blocking access to non-residents. They also stated that relocating the bins would adversely affect the conservation area by removing greenery, and that residents would leave rubbish on the driveway. Alex Keel suggested leaving the bins and current gate in place and installing a combination fence and gate instead.

Applicant Response

The applicant explained that the project's main goal was to reduce antisocial behaviour, particularly in the covered porch area, and to address fly-tipping. The applicant stated that relocating the bins would open up the space and improve sight lines, making the area less attractive to antisocial behaviour.

Councillor Hamdache asked how many reports of antisocial behaviour had been received, noting that some residents felt the car park was the main hotspot. The applicant acknowledged these concerns and stated that a full-gated fence along the front line was not supported during pre-application discussions with planning officers. The applicant stated that the council is aware of the issues in the car park and will look at implementing other measures to address them.

Councillor Diarmaid Ward asked the applicant to commit to meeting with ward councillors and residents to discuss further improvements, regardless of the outcome of the meeting, and the applicant agreed to do so.

Councillor Ward also asked for clarity on claims of a previous, broader consultation and a potentially altered petition. The applicant stated they were not aware of a broader scheme being consulted on and that clear guidance had been received that a fully gated enclosure would not be supported.

The applicant confirmed that the hotspot designation was based on an environmental audit report from September 2023, as well as multiple emails from residents reporting antisocial behaviour.

The objector clarified that the antisocial behaviour was largely due to a tenant who had since been evicted in 2023, and that the overflow of drug users was due to shrub clearance in a nearby park. They also claimed that a particular resident was responsible for many of the complaints.

Committee Deliberation

Councillor Ward stated that the committee could only consider the application in front of them and not any alternative schemes. They stated that the application was a good way of managing long-term security and refuse arrangements on the estate and that they would be better to approve it.

Councillor Hamdache stated that the need for the gates was based on formal reporting of antisocial behaviour and that the evidence base to justify the application was sound. They also stated that the council had consulted the local area and taken account of any objections.

Councillor Hamdache said that they were reassured by the promise to look back and see if there are additional solutions that need to be made to address issues if this doesn't quite work. They also hoped that there could be a dialogue to see whether or not the new refuse arrangements improve things and if not there's an opportunity for residents to feedback.

Decision

The committee unanimously voted to approve the application, finding it policy compliant.

Delhi Outram Estate

The minutes of the previous meeting on 7 July 2025 included a discussion and decision on landscaping works to a disused ball court at the Delhi Outram Estate, Vibart Walk, London, N1. The committee resolved to grant planning permission for landscaping works to create a communal garden space with associated works including entrance gates and fencing vision panels.