The Planning Committee of Islington Council met on Tuesday 21 April 2026 to discuss several planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of a six-storey office and retail development at 63 Charterhouse Street, the granting of permission for a new veterinary centre at 348-356 Holloway Road, and the approval of a four to six-storey residential building at Harvist Under Fives, Hornsey Road.

63 Charterhouse Street

The committee approved plans for the partial demolition and redevelopment of 63 Charterhouse Street to create a six-storey building comprising office and retail space. The proposal includes retaining the front facade of the existing building and constructing a new build element over disused railway sidings.

The development will provide 6,656 square metres of office space and 284 square metres of retail space. A key consideration was the provision of affordable workspace, which the applicant demonstrated to be unviable on-site or as a payment in lieu. A review mechanism will be included in the Section 106 agreement to address this.

Concerns were raised regarding the building's height and its impact on heritage assets, particularly the St. Paul's Heights grid. However, officers concluded that the impact on views to St. Paul's Cathedral would be negligible. The design was praised for its contextual response and high architectural quality, with the retained facade of the existing building being a significant feature. The development was recommended for approval subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement.

348-356 Holloway Road

Permission was granted for a change of use from a mixed-use Resource Centre to a mixed-use veterinary centre, café, and retail space at 348-356 Holloway Road. The locally listed building will house a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital, creating up to 100 jobs.

The proposal involves no external alterations to the building, apart from the installation of new plant equipment at roof level and screening. The veterinary centre will offer a full range of specialist services, including imaging, dental, and rehabilitation.

Concerns were raised by objectors regarding servicing access and potential bio-safety issues. The applicant addressed these by outlining alternative access plans and robust infection control measures. The committee noted the significant economic benefits and the repurposing of a vacant building. The application was approved subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, which includes contributions towards affordable workspace and local employment initiatives.

Harvist Under Fives, Hornsey Road

The committee unanimously approved the erection of a four to six-storey building at the former Harvist Under Fives site on Hornsey Road to provide 29 new dwellings. The development will include 15 affordable housing units, with 11 for social rent and 4 for shared ownership, meeting the council's affordable housing policy requirements.

The scheme was praised for its design quality, materials, and landscaping, which will include a significant area of public realm and play space. Concerns were raised about the impact on daylight and sunlight to neighbouring properties, but officers concluded these were acceptable given the urban context. The development will be car-free, with ample cycle storage provided. The application was approved subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement, which includes contributions towards affordable housing and local employment.

The meeting also noted that this was Councillor Diarmaid Ward's last formal meeting, and his contributions to planning and housing were acknowledged.