The Planning Sub Committee A of Islington Council met on Monday 1 September 2025 to consider a single planning application. The committee granted planning permission for the permanent use of Unit 4, Roman Way Industrial Estate, as commercial kitchens with delivery services, subject to amended conditions.

Unit 4, Roman Way Industrial Estate, 149 Roman Way, N7 8XH

The committee granted planning permission for the permanent use of Unit 4, Roman Way Industrial Estate, as commercial kitchens with delivery services, operated by Deliveroo Editions. This application sought to make the existing temporary permission permanent and allow operations on Sundays and bank holidays.

Concerns were raised by local residents regarding noise, pollution, and traffic, particularly the behaviour of delivery riders and the potential for increased activity on Sundays. Objectors highlighted that noise surveys may not have captured peak operational capacity and expressed worries about cumulative impacts from other similar businesses in the area. Councillor Fin Craig, Chief Whip of the Labour Group, noted that while the shift to electric vehicles was welcome, there was no planning control to ensure 100% electric use, and expressed frustration that the applicant was not willing to commit to exclusively electric bikes. Councillor Shreya Nanda also voiced concerns about noise and the potential for increased traffic and pollution.

Deliveroo's representative, Paul Mills, stated that the company supports local businesses and job creation, and highlighted the significant increase in electric vehicle use among riders, with 55% now using e-bikes. He explained that restricting to only electric vehicles would make the site economically unviable.

The committee discussed the previous appeal decision from 2022, which granted a temporary three-year permission for the use. Officers noted that while the principle of the use was accepted, concerns about neighbour amenity, particularly noise, were a key consideration. The committee decided to amend the conditions of the permission. Specifically, they voted to remove the allowance for Sunday and bank holiday operations, meaning the kitchens will only be permitted to operate Monday to Saturday. Additionally, a condition was added to require the Operational Management Plan to be reviewed after one year in consultation with residents. The committee also agreed to restrict access and egress to the site solely via the Roman Way entrance, prohibiting use of the Offord Street gate.

The decision to grant permission was made with these amended conditions, aiming to balance the economic benefits of the operation with the need to protect the amenity of local residents.