At the Islington Council planning committee meeting in December 2025 the Society spoke against the planning application for New Barnsbury on the basis of contraventions of policy and excessive density impacting the quality of the proposed new homes. However, the proposal including taller buildings across the development and three canal-side towers up to 69 metres high, was approved.
The committee continued to monitor Holborn Infirmary Archway Campus which is still awaiting a date for the Mayor’s hearing following the ‘Calling In’ of the application; St Saviours Church, Aberdeen Park; proposed taller buildings at Holloway Park; Regent House (former RBS building) Upper Street which has recently been sold; vacant Network Rail land adjacent to Drayton Park station; and amendments to the planning permission given for The Coach House at Sunnyside Road.
The Society will be encouraging the Council to take the necessary enforcement action to ensure reinstatement of the previous Shop Fronts at 344 and 346 Upper Street, which are Locally Listed.
We are working with the Amwell Society concerning proposals to change the use of, and likely make more significant changes to, the Grade II listed Clerkenwell Parochial School.
Members of the committee attended a consultation regarding the new plans for the Finsbury Leisure Centre and surrounding area; and are concerned about proposals to build on the green space at Peregrine House on City Road and will be attending upcoming public consultations.
Having been approached by residents near a proposed Gypsy and Traveller site, the committee discussed the Council’s wider plans and submitted concerns regarding access to the site at Pleasant Place Gardens.