The Planning Committee of Islington Council met on 21 April 2026 to discuss and decide on three planning applications. The committee unanimously approved all three applications: a six-storey office and retail development at 63 Charterhouse Street, a change of use to a veterinary centre at 348-356 Holloway Road, and a new residential building providing 29 homes at the site of the former Harvist Under Fives nursery on Hornsey Road.

63 Charterhouse Street

The committee granted planning permission for the partial demolition of the existing building at 63 Charterhouse Street and its redevelopment into a six-storey building, plus basement and rooftop pavilion. The new development will provide office and retail space. A key consideration was the building's height and its impact on the Charterhouse Square Conservation Area and the St. Paul's Heights Grid. While the proposal technically breaches the St. Paul's Heights policy, officers concluded there would be no adverse impact due to negligible apparent change. Concerns were raised about the lack of affordable workspace provision, with the applicant demonstrating that on-site or off-site provision was unviable. A late-stage viability review mechanism was agreed upon, to be secured through a Section 106 agreement. The design, including the retention of the historic facade and the integration of a retail unit at ground level, was praised.

348-356 Holloway Road

Planning permission was unanimously granted for the change of use of the former Resource Centre at 348-356 Holloway Road to a mixed-use development including a veterinary centre, café, and retail space. The locally listed building will be repurposed to create a 24/7 emergency and specialty veterinary hospital, addressing a significant need in the borough. Concerns were raised by objectors regarding access and servicing arrangements, particularly the reliance on a right of way through a neighbouring property. The applicant outlined alternative plans and highlighted that many large veterinary hospitals in densely populated areas operate without dedicated parking. The committee also discussed biosafety concerns, with the applicant detailing robust infectious disease control measures comparable to human hospitals. The proposal was deemed acceptable due to the economic benefits, the bringing of a vacant building back into use, and the creation of up to 100 jobs.

Harvist Under Fives, Hornsey Road

The committee unanimously approved the erection of a four- to six-storey building at the site of the former Harvist Under Fives nursery on Hornsey Road, providing 29 new dwellings. Of these, 15 units (51.7%) will be affordable housing, with 11 for social rent and four for shared ownership, meeting local plan policy requirements. The design was praised for its improvement on previous applications, with particular commendation for the materials, landscaping, and the delivery of affordable housing. Concerns about potential reductions in daylight and sunlight to neighbouring properties were noted but deemed acceptable given the urban context and the existing retained values. The scheme was also commended for its commitment to sustainability, including a biodiversity net gain score well above the minimum requirement. Councillor Diarmaid Ward's final meeting on the committee was acknowledged, with thanks extended for his contributions.