This week in Islington:

Whittington Hospital Energy Centre Sparks Debate Over Emissions and Health

Islington's Planning Committee met to consider a significant new energy centre at The Whittington Hospital, a decision that has ignited concerns among residents about air quality and potential health impacts. The proposed five-storey building, designed to house an energy centre, generators, and storage, is intended to support the hospital's vital services, including the redevelopment of its maternity and neonatal units. However, the height of the chimney flues, exceeding 30 metres, marks a departure from the council's Development Plan, leading to a robust discussion about the balance between essential infrastructure and environmental health. Read the full meeting details here.

Residents Raise Alarms Over Diesel Emissions

The primary concern voiced by residents, including Owen Campbell from Lidyard Road, centres on the use of diesel generators. Campbell highlighted that diesel engine exhaust is classified as carcinogenic to humans, drawing a stark parallel to asbestos. He argued that the emissions from the generators, particularly nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, would worsen already high levels of air pollutants in the borough, directly contributing to asthma, heart disease, strokes, and premature deaths, especially impacting children and those in the vicinity of the maternity and neonatal wards.

Diesel emissions are carcinogenic, Campbell stated, emphasizing the direct health risks. He challenged the hospital trust's assertion that cleaner alternatives are not viable, pointing to Islington's own Vision 2030, zero carbon strategy which calls for a ban on diesel vehicles by 2025.

The Whittington Health NHS Trust, represented by Nick Woolworth, Estates Development Lead, defended the proposal, stating that backup power systems are an NHS requirement for patient safety and critical clinical services. Woolworth explained that the proposed generators are modernising existing infrastructure and that the flue height is designed for effective dispersion in line with air quality objectives. He acknowledged the need for periodic testing and maintenance but assured that conditions are in place to manage impacts, with agreed noise levels lower than existing infrastructure.

Balancing Essential Services with Amenity

The Planning Committee also considered a variation to a planning condition for a roof terrace at 1 Torrens Street, Angel Square. The application sought to extend the opening hours of the upper roof terrace from 6pm to 10pm on weekdays, accompanied by an updated Operational Management Plan (OMP).

While the OMP included measures like 24/7 security, no amplified music, and an occupancy limit of 60 people, residents expressed significant concern. They argued that this extension transforms the space from a simple breakout area to a party space, potentially leading to noise and disturbance. One resident stated, This is no longer a breakout space. This is now a party space, and we're told that there's no need for a licence application, so alcohol can be served on this terrace. They felt this was the thin end of the wedge and a departure from previous assurances.

The council's report noted that the distance to neighbouring residential properties was significant and that the Neighbourhood Engagement Team had no objection, subject to the OMP measures. The committee ultimately recommended approval, subject to conditions, highlighting the benefits of improved shared facilities for office staff.

Licensing Committee Considers Extended Hours for Supermarket and Restaurants

Islington's Licensing Sub Committee B met to consider several applications that could impact local amenity, including extended hours for a supermarket and late-night refreshment for restaurants. The decisions highlight the council's role in balancing business needs with the prevention of public nuisance and crime. Read the full meeting details here.

Sainsbury's Balls Pond Road: 24-Hour Alcohol Sales Bid

A new licence application for Sainsbury's Supermarket at 124-128 Balls Pond Road seeks permission to sell alcohol from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm daily, with the premises open 24 hours. While not located in a cumulative impact area, the application attracted representations from a local resident and a business, indicating potential concerns about late-night activity and its impact on the neighbourhood. The committee's decision will determine the extent to which this large retailer can operate around the clock, potentially affecting local residents' peace.

Lebanon Grill and Sapid Coffee: Late-Night Operations and Cumulative Impact

Two applications in the Holloway Road and Finsbury Park Cumulative Impact Area¹ raised significant concerns. Lebanon Grill at 153 Holloway Road applied for late-night refreshment hours until 3:00 am on weekends. This application is particularly sensitive due to ongoing investigations into odour and smoke nuisance and potential breaches of planning conditions related to its extractor system. The Metropolitan Police and the Noise service made representations, highlighting the potential for increased crime and disorder.

Similarly, Sapid Coffee at Unit 2, 303 Holloway Road sought to extend alcohol sales and late-night refreshment hours significantly, including until 4:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The Metropolitan Police raised concerns about these extended hours falling outside the framework for the area and potentially exacerbating crime and disorder. The planning service also noted that the proposed hours would breach existing planning conditions², underscoring the need for strict adherence to regulations to protect residents.

Other Matters

The Licensing Regulatory Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 13 January 2026 was cancelled.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Health and Wellbeing Board will meet on Monday 19 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Executive will meet on Thursday 22 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub Committee B will meet on Thursday 22 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Planning Sub Committee A will meet on Monday 26 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Audit and Risk Committee will meet on Tuesday 27 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 29 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Health will meet on Friday 30 January 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Islington:

Council Tackles Dockless Bikes, Recycling, and Repair Initiatives

Islington Council is pushing forward with ambitious plans to improve active travel, boost recycling rates, and champion repair and reuse initiatives. The Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee met to review progress on these fronts, highlighting both successes and areas for further development. Read the full meeting details here.

Greener Travel: Active Travel and Dockless Bikes

The committee received an update on the council's active travel initiatives, which aim to make walking, cycling, and scooting safer and more accessible. Progress has been made on several fronts, including:

• Improved Infrastructure: A Borough-Wide Condition Report for roads and pavements has been completed, and new high bike parking bays are being rolled out.
• Enhanced Training: Cycle training programmes are being expanded, with specific initiatives for older people, women, and all-ability cycling.
• Lobbying for Powers: Islington is actively lobbying for greater powers to license micro-mobility schemes, such as dockless bikes.

Presentations from dockless bike operators, Lime Bike and Forest Bike, revealed significant growth in usage. Lime reported a 66% increase in trips, while Forest Bike saw its rides double year-on-year. Both companies are investing in parking infrastructure and community engagement.

However, concerns remain about obstructive bike parking and rider behaviour. The council is working with operators to manage hotspots, install more parking bays, and use technology like AI-based parking verification to improve compliance.

Boosting Recycling and Embracing Repair

The committee also heard evidence on household recycling rates and waste reduction. Organisations like Islington Fixers, Archway Upcycle, and The Restart Project presented their work in promoting repair and reuse.

• Repair Benefits: These groups highlighted the social and climate benefits of repairing items, with The Restart Project noting that around half of all e-waste is potentially repairable.
• Challenges and Needs: Key challenges identified include the need for permanent venues, more volunteers, and additional funding. Manufacturers' restrictions on spare parts and repair information were also cited as significant barriers.
• Circular Economy Focus: ReLondon presented on major changes in waste policy, including simpler recycling and mandatory food waste collections, emphasizing the need to move towards circular economy initiatives.

The council is exploring ways to support these initiatives, including the potential use of affordable workspaces secured through planning agreements.

Homes and Communities Committee Addresses Housing Quality and Homelessness

The Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee delved into critical housing issues, focusing on the council's tenancy audit programme, support for families experiencing homelessness, and the ongoing efforts to ensure all council homes meet the Decent Homes Standard. Read the full meeting details here.

Tenancy Audits and Vulnerability Checks

The council's tenancy audit programme involves home visits by Senior Housing Officers to verify tenant occupancy, update records, and identify any vulnerabilities or support needs. This proactive approach aims to prevent tenancy fraud and ensure residents receive the help they require. The programme is being integrated with Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for higher-risk buildings.

Support for Homeless Families

A consultation with families experiencing homelessness and living in temporary accommodation revealed positive feedback on initial contact with council services and the quality of officers. However, some families expressed concerns about the size of accommodation for larger families and the efficiency of case management. Recommendations include improving communication about housing allocation processes, providing regular updates on long-term housing options, and reviewing temporary accommodation placements for families with multiple children.

Tackling Non-Decent Homes

The committee received an update on the council's stock condition survey, which is assessing all homes for hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). A dedicated Decency Taskforce is working to bring all non-decent homes up to standard by December 2028.

Concerns were raised about the management of communal heating during cold spells, with residents in some blocks experiencing limited heating hours. While the long-term solution is to provide individual heating controls, the council currently monitors temperatures and can respond to cold snaps. The council is also working to balance investment in higher-level improvements with responsive repairs, aiming for a 60/40 split in favour of long-term investment.

Licensing Sub Committee Considers New Premises Licence Applications

Licensing Sub Committee A met to consider several applications for new premises licences. While the full details of decisions are pending council publication, the agenda included discussions on applications that had attracted representations from local residents and responsible authorities. Read the full meeting details here.

The committee was scheduled to review applications for Saffron Fields, Fabrica x Cafe, and SMG Hospitality Limited. Objections from residents and the Metropolitan Police focused on concerns related to late-night refreshment hours, the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and potential public nuisance. These applications highlight the delicate balance the council must strike between supporting local businesses and protecting the quality of life for residents.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Planning Committee will meet on Monday 12 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Health and Wellbeing Board will meet on Monday 19 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Executive will meet on Thursday 22 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub Committee B will meet on Thursday 22 January 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Islington:

Play Spaces in Crisis: Report Reveals Lack of Access for Girls, Teens, and Marginalized Groups

Islington's Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a concerning report highlighting the borough's play space crisis, particularly affecting girls, older children, and those from Somali, Bangladeshi, and Black African communities. The report paints a stark picture of limited access to green space, socioeconomic inequality, and declining opportunities for older children. Read the full meeting details here.

Digital Distraction and Community Intolerance Blamed

The Islington CYP Play Needs Assessment 2025 reveals that Islington has the smallest amount of green space per person in the UK, with only 13% of the borough designated as greenspace and 29% of residents lacking private gardens.

The report identifies several key issues:

• Limited Access to Green Space: Islington has the smallest amount of green space per person in the UK.
• Socioeconomic Inequality: High levels of deprivation impact play access and quality, with over 40% of primary pupils eligible for free school meals.
• Disparities in Participation: Girls, older children, and those from Somali, Bangladeshi, and Black African communities are underrepresented in key play settings.
• Declining Opportunities for Older Children: Teenagers face stigma, lack of dedicated spaces, and reduced time for play due to academic pressures.
• Community Intolerance and Risk Aversion: Negative societal attitudes discourage outdoor play.
• Digital Distraction: Digital play is increasingly replacing physical and social play, particularly among older children.

The report recommends developing a borough-wide play strategy, investing in inclusive infrastructure, and strengthening play's role in health and wellbeing. The committee also heard witness evidence from Make Space for Girls, an organisation that campaigns for better play spaces for girls.

Youth Work Impact Report Shows Positive Trends

The committee also received the Islington Youth Work Impact Report 2025, which highlights the role of youth services in helping young people feel safe, thrive within their communities, and take an active role in shaping the future. The report focuses on physical and emotional wellbeing, social and life skills, agency and motivation, and community connections.

Performance Report Reveals Challenges in Children's Services

The committee reviewed the 2025-26 Q1 Childrens Services Scrutiny Committee Performance Report, which sets out progress against targets for performance indicators. The report notes that adults experiencing domestic abuse, poor mental health and/or substance misuse, remain among the most common reasons why children come to the attention of children's services. The report also shows an increase in children's social care contacts compared to the previous year.

Shell's 24-Hour Alcohol Bid Sparks Cumulative Impact Concerns

The Licensing Sub Committee D is considering applications from Shell UK Oil Products Limited to extend the terminal hour for the sale of alcohol to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at two of its petrol stations. The applications have raised concerns from the Licensing Authority and local residents, particularly regarding public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder. Read the full meeting details here.

Cumulative Impact Areas Under Threat?

The Licensing Authority has submitted representations citing concerns about public nuisance, and the prevention of crime and disorder, noting that both premises are located within Cumulative Impact Areas. The report notes that the applicant has not demonstrated that the application will not add to the cumulative impact.

The Licensing Authority also notes that the proposed terminal hour for the sale of alcohol is well in excess of the suggested hours for a retail off licence type business, and that the operating schedule does not include any additional measures or controls specific to the extended hours being sought.

Resident Opposition

The sub-committee has received 10 letters of representation from local residents regarding the Shell Upper Street application, who raise concerns about potential noise disturbances and other nuisances, and the impact on crime. The sub-committee has also received a letter of representation from a local resident regarding the Shell Old Street application, raising concerns about potential noise and disturbance.

New Premises Licence Application for Present Tense

The sub-committee is also scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Present Tense, 4 Ferntower Road, London N5 2JG. The sub-committee has received one representation from a local resident, raising concerns about potential public nuisance.

Pension Fund Performance and Actuarial Valuation Under Review

The Islington Pensions Board is scheduled to meet to discuss pension administration performance, pension fund performance, the 2025 actuarial valuation, the risk register, and the board's forward work programme. Read the full meeting details here.

Funding Strategy Statement

The board is scheduled to discuss the 2025 actuarial valuation and a draft funding strategy statement (FSS). The Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations 2013 require the Administering Authority to prepare and publish a Funding Strategy Statement alongside each actuarial valuation.

The actuary has calculated the long-term average future employer contribution rate (the primary rate) for the whole fund level to be 16.0% of pensionable pay and the funding level to be 112%, equivalent to a surplus of assets over liabilities of £215m.

Pension Fund Performance

The board is scheduled to discuss the pension fund performance from 1 July to 30 September 2025. The committee will note the performance of the fund and receive a presentation by Apex, the council's independent investment advisers, on fund managers' quarterly performance.

Pension Administration Performance

The board is scheduled to discuss a report on pension administration performance, providing an update on the period from 1 August 2025 to 31 October 2025. The Pension Office received 11 communications thanking Pension Administration staff for their service and 4 complaints.

Housing Management and Tenant Satisfaction Under Scrutiny

The Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to discuss a range of housing-related topics, including a review of housing management, the allocation scheme, and the Independent Housing Intensive Support service, as well as updates on tenant satisfaction and asbestos management. Read the full meeting details here.

Housing Management Scrutiny

The committee is scheduled to discuss the Housing Management Scrutiny Report, which covers a range of issues related to the management of council housing, including the Decent Homes Standard, empty homes, repairs and maintenance, complaints, and tenant engagement.

Review of the Allocation Scheme 2024

The committee is scheduled to discuss a review of the Allocation Scheme 2024, which sets out how social housing is allocated to people in need.

Independent Housing Intensive Support (IHIS) Service Review

The committee is scheduled to discuss a review of the Independent Housing Intensive Support (IHIS) service, which provides support to tenants who are at risk of losing their homes.

Update on Asbestos & Complaints Tenant Satisfaction Measures

The committee is scheduled to receive an update on asbestos management and complaints, as well as tenant satisfaction measures.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Sub Committee D will meet on Tuesday 16 December 2025. Link to meeting
• A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 16 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 18 December 2025. Link to meeting

This week in Islington:

New Barnsbury Estate Redevelopment Approved Amidst Resident Concerns

The Planning Committee approved a hybrid planning application for the New Barnsbury Estate¹, a decision that could reshape the lives of over a thousand residents. The project, in development since 2023, includes detailed plans for 711 homes and outline plans for 405 more, along with community facilities and commercial space. Read the full meeting details here.

A Divisive Decision

While the council touts the project as a way to deliver much-needed housing and improve living conditions, some residents and the Islington Society voiced strong objections.

• For: Supporters emphasized the delivery of 1,116 homes, improved housing quality, and community benefits like a larger Sunnyside Community Center.
• Against: Critics raised concerns about increased harm to the site, housing quality, lack of affordable housing, and the impact on neighboring properties.

Councillor Diarmaid Ward argued that the homes would provide the best life chance for young people whether that is in the form of a home or whether that is in the form of opportunities for all of those reasons .

Key Concerns

• Daylight and Sunlight: Objectors claimed inaccuracies in the applicant's assessments of the development's impact on daylight and sunlight for neighboring properties.
• Affordable Housing: The proposal does not meet the council's 50% affordable housing target.
• Building Safety Act: The Building Safety Act requires two means of escape, which has led to instances of single-aspect units in the development.

Resident Voices

Hilary Norris, a resident, expressed concerns about the adverse effects of the proposed towers on surrounding conservation areas, arguing that the towers would violate urban design guidelines and the development plan. Emma Smith from the Islington Society raised concerns about the over-densification of the site and multiple contraventions of the London and Islington local plans.

Pensions Committee Discusses Fund Performance and Strategy

The Islington Pensions Committee met to discuss the performance of the Islington Pension Fund, the Funding Strategy Statement, and the London CIV (Collective Investment Vehicle). Read the full meeting details here.

Actuarial Valuation and Funding Strategy

The committee discussed the 2025 actuarial valuation and a draft Funding Strategy Statement (FSS). Key assumptions used by the Actuary in determining the valuation outcomes are discount rates, inflation, and life expectancy.

• Discount rate: The proposed discount rates were CPI+2.8% for past service and CPI+2.25% for future service.
• Inflation: The long-term rate of inflation proposed was 2.6% per annum.
• Life Expectancy: The proposed life expectancy assumptions were expected to reduce both liabilities and the future service rate.

The report pack stated that, based on the parameters adopted, the total required contribution rate for the council was expected to reduce by approximately 5-6% per annum of pay.

Pension Fund Performance

The committee also discussed the performance of the Islington Pension Fund for the period of 1 July to 30 September 2025. The report pack stated that the value of the total fund was £2,179.5 million.

London CIV Update

The committee received an update on the London CIV (Collective Investment Vehicle). The report pack noted that Islington is one of 33 London local authorities who have become active participants in the London CIV programme, and that the London CIV has been constructed as a FCA regulated UK Authorised Contractual Scheme (ACS).

Scrutiny Committee Examines Safeguarding, Public Health, and Smoking's Impact

The Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee addressed critical issues, including safeguarding adults, public health performance, and the impact of smoking on life expectancy. Read the full meeting details here.

Safeguarding Adults

The committee reviewed the Islington Safeguarding Adults Board's (ISAB) annual report, which highlighted the board's activities and achievements in safeguarding adults at risk within the borough. The ISAB strategy places 'PEOPLE' as its core values.

Public Health Performance

The committee reviewed the Public Health Performance Report for Quarter 1 of 2025/26, which set out the performance against targets for the performance indicators that fall within the Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care outcome area. The report indicated positive performance overall, with targets met or exceeded across 10 of 11 indicators.

The report mentioned that as of 1 July 2025, the UK's routine childhood immunisation schedule was updated for children born on or after 1 July 2024.

The report stated that the council has launched a local scheme to Fill the Gap between when Healthy Start payments for a child end and when free school meals commence.

Smoking's Impact on Life Expectancy

The committee discussed a report on the impact of smoking on life expectancy and healthy life expectancy in Islington. The report highlighted that smoking remains the leading preventable cause of illness, disability, and premature death in Islington, contributing significantly to health inequalities and economic costs.

The report stated that Islington has the highest rate in North Central London for smoking attributable hospital admissions (1,728 per 100,000) and mortality (240 per 100,000) in persons aged 35 years and above.

The report detailed stop smoking support in Islington, including the community stop smoking service Breathe, provision in primary care through general practice and community pharmacy locally commissioned services, and access to Smokefree, the leading evidence-based stop smoking app, for Islington residents.

Corporate Resources and Economy Scrutiny Committee Discusses Inclusive Economy and Cost of Living Crisis

The Corporate Resources and Economy Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Inclusive Economy and Jobs Annual Report 2024-25, and to receive an update on the Cost of Living Crisis Scrutiny Review. Read the full meeting details here.

Inclusive Economy and Jobs Annual Report 2024-25

The committee discussed the Inclusive Economy and Jobs Annual Report 2024-25, which provides an overview of the council's activities and achievements in promoting an inclusive economy and creating jobs for local residents.

12 Month Update on the Cost of Living Crisis Scrutiny Review

The committee received a 12 month update on the Cost of Living Crisis Scrutiny Review. The update noted that the council has taken a number of steps to support residents during the cost of living crisis, including:

• Providing financial assistance to low-income households
• Expanding access to affordable food
• Offering advice and support on energy efficiency
• Increasing the availability of debt advice

Upcoming Meetings

• The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday 15 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub Committee D will meet on Tuesday 16 December 2025. Link to meeting
• A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 16 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 18 December 2025. Link to meeting