The Planning Sub Committee B of Islington Council met on Monday 09 March 2026 to consider three planning applications. These included a part-retrospective application for a rear extension at 137 Newington Green Road, a proposal to dismantle and refurbish the Clock Tower at Highbury Hill, and an application to stop up part of the footway on Wilson Street to facilitate development at Arbuthnot House.

137 Newington Green Road, London, N1 4RA

The committee was scheduled to discuss a part-retrospective application for the retention of a two-storey full-width rear extension at 137 Newington Green Road¹. The application also included alterations such as the relocation and height increase of a rear extraction flue and the installation of a new extraction system on the flat roof. This development had previously been the subject of an Enforcement Notice, which was appealed and dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate. The Inspector had found that while the scale and massing of the extension were acceptable, its external finish caused harm to the character and appearance of the Newington Green Conservation Area². The current application sought to address these concerns by introducing a high-quality brick cladding that would match the existing London Stock brick of the host terrace. The relocation and increased height of the extraction flue, along with a new rooftop extraction system, were designed to reduce visual prominence and improve odour and noise control. The report indicated that the proposal, subject to recommended conditions, was considered to address the harm identified by the Inspector and preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area, while also safeguarding neighbouring amenity.

Clock Tower, Highbury Hill, London, N5 1BA

Consideration was given to a Listed Building Consent application concerning the Clock Tower at Highbury Hill³. The proposal involved dismantling the Jubilee Clock Tower, removing it offsite for conservation repair and refurbishment, and then returning and reinstalling it on its current hexagonal plinth. The report highlighted that the structure, a Grade II listed building and a designated Local Landmark, was in a condition that required repair to prevent further deterioration. The proposed works were deemed necessary and desirable for the long-term conservation of this heritage asset. The decision to dismantle and repair the tower offsite was supported due to the challenges posed by its location in the centre of a road used as a bus stand and turning circle, as well as the practical difficulties of undertaking detailed repairs in situ. The report concluded that, provided risks associated with dismantling, repair, and re-erection were adequately managed through appropriate conditions and a legal agreement, the proposed works would enhance the listed structure, its setting, and the Highbury Fields Conservation Area⁴.

Arbuthnot House, 7-21 Wilson Street, London, EC2M 2SN

The committee was scheduled to consider an application under Section 247 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to stop up part of the existing footway on Wilson Street⁵. This was to enable development at Arbuthnot House, 7-21 Wilson Street, which had been granted planning permission under reference P2024/3548/FUL and subsequently amended by a non-material amendment application. The approved development included a replacement single-storey roof extension, rear extensions, and alterations to the façade. The proposed stopping up related to several sections of the footway in front of the building, with the approved façade protruding over the public highway by 100mm. The report stated that the proposed stopping up would retain a public footway width of between 2.3m and 2.4m, ensuring no obstruction to pedestrian movement or impact on vehicular traffic. The council's Highway Officer had not objected to the proposal.