The Planning Sub Committee B of Islington Council met on Thursday 11 June 2026 and granted planning permission for a change of use at Unit 5, Roman Way Industrial Estate, to a commercial kitchen and delivery centre. The committee also approved amendments to the operating hours for an On-Demand Grocery hatch at Waitrose, 174 St John Street.

Unit 5, Roman Way Industrial Estate, 149 Roman Way, N7 8XH

The committee granted planning permission for a retrospective application to change the use of Unit 5, Roman Way Industrial Estate, from light industrial (B1(c)) to a commercial kitchen and delivery centre (Sui Generis). This includes the installation of external plant and extract flues, and alterations to the hours of operation.

Councillor Joe Peck, the ward councillor for Holloway, introduced the application, noting that officers recommended an update to Condition 8 regarding kitchen extract flues to ensure vertical discharge at high velocity. It was confirmed that welfare facilities would be available to riders.

Councillor Emerson, the ward councillor for Barnsbury, raised objections on behalf of residents, citing concerns about the cumulative impact of a second dark kitchen on the estate, increased intensity of use, and potential negative effects on noise, traffic, air quality, and late-night disturbance. Councillor Emerson requested that if permission were granted, it should be temporary and subject to strict conditions, including no Sunday or bank holiday operations, closure by 10 pm, no use of the Offord Street access, and daytime-only servicing.

The applicant responded that all concerns had been addressed within the application, including air quality, cumulative impacts, odour control, and operating hours. They clarified that the facility would rent kitchen spaces to small, independent food businesses and confirmed that comprehensive fire safety measures were in place.

During the committee's deliberations, members discussed various aspects of the operation, including ventilation systems, the use of electric vehicles for deliveries, and the enforcement of access restrictions. Amendments were proposed and agreed upon, including:

• An updated Operational Management Plan (OMP) to be submitted within three months of the decision, with a further review and resubmission 12 months later.
• The OMP to include details of signage prohibiting the use of the Offord Street entrance and outlining how the use of electric vehicles has been encouraged.
• An informative note to be added regarding the presentation of the email address for complaints on the website and a commitment to respond within five working days.

Ultimately, the committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission, subject to the agreed conditions and informatives.

Waitrose, 174 St John Street, London, EC1V 4DE

This item, concerning an application to vary Condition 4 (Hours of Operation) of a planning permission for an On-Demand Grocery (ODG) hatch, was withdrawn prior to the meeting.