One of the biggest residential planning applications in Islington in recent years has been approved by the London Borough of Islington’s planning committee.
The move sees permission granted for the transformation of the New Barnsbury Estate, where Newlon Housing Trust and Mount Anvil JV will develop 914 homes, including 47% social rented housing, alongside retail and community floorspace and extensive public space. This is the culmination of three years’ work by planning and development consultancy Lichfields on one of London’s largest and most high-profile estate projects.
The New Barnsbury scheme, designed by PTE Architects, will make a meaningful contribution towards pressing strategic and local housing objectives in Islington. It will see material improvements to housing stock, biodiversity, urban greening, carbon abatement and the local townscape.
The scheme will increase the quantum and quality of useable open space across the site; delivering two public parks, community gardens, extensive play space and roof level amenity space. It addresses a range of existing social and environmental problems at the estate including overcrowded substandard housing, an inefficient layout, poor energy efficiency, accessibility challenges and redundant open space.
The high-quality tenure-blind new homes will replace 371 deficient homes at the existing estate. Existing social housing tenants will all be reaccommodated in the new homes at the same rent levels and on the basis of a single decant commitment.
Islington’s committee firmly supported the development, recognising the scheme’s significant local housing, employment and environmental benefits. Members commended the extensive engagement undertaken by the application with estate residents, the scheme’s design quality and the standard of the application submission.
The success of the consultation process was reflected in the ‘electric atmosphere’ in the Council chamber this week which was overflowing with estate residents — all in attendance to voice their support for the application and the positive transformation of their estate.
Newlon and Mount Anvil are committed to commencing the development by March 2023. The new homes will be delivered on a phased basis across the estate over the next 10 years.
Ben Kelway, Senior Director at Lichfields London office said: “We are delighted to secure a positive committee resolution on New Barnsbury this week. This is the culmination of several years of work across the team and a major milestone for the project. New Barnsbury is a fantastic scheme which will transform the estate and significantly improve the lives its residents.”
Mike Hinch, Chief Executive of Newlon Housing Trust, said: “We are really proud that our plans for the transformation of the Barnsbury Estate have been approved. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our residents, the wider local community and our partners Mount Anvil to create a truly great and sustainable place to live.”
Killian Hurley, Chief Executive of Mount Anvil, commented: “We’re truly delighted to be delivering more quality, affordable homes with our partners, Newlon, supported by Islington Council and our funders at the GLA.
“We’ve been working hard: listening, learning and co-designing with Barnsbury residents a cleaner, greener, healthier and more sustainable community which everyone can be proud of. We’re excited to be getting onto site delivering for the local community in early 2023.”
