Secretary of State decision on Islington high-rise scheme

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has approved a mixed-use redevelopment scheme including a 39-storey triangular residential tower in Islington, which had been refused by the borough council.

Part of the site involving land at City Road, Mallow Road and Featherstone Street is in the Bunhills Fields and Finsbury Square Conservation Area. The proposals included the demolition of existing property and their replacement with three new buildings providing up to 250 flats, office floor space, retail activities and parking for cars, bicycles and motorcycles.

The proposals were recovered for determination by the Secretary of State because more than 150 dwellings were involved. Following a three-day inquiry held three months ago, the inspector recommended that the Conservation Area consent should be allowed but not permission for the new development.

The Secretary of State disagreed with the inspector that the proposed design of a new nine storey office block was not in keeping with the area. Blears decision letter stated: "The proposal as a whole would accord with all relevant development plan and national planning policies, including those on design.

"Any slight detrimental impact, in terms of loss of sunlight and daylight to existing properties, does not outweigh the compliance with development plan and national plan policies in other respects."

The Secretary of State argued that the scale of the office building proposed was "acceptable in its context and that its design embodies materials and details of high quality."

She also concluded that the design of the residential tower would be "of high quality" and would meet the evaluation criteria for tall buildings set out by English Heritage and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment.

Read the Secretary of State's decision letter

Roger Milne

30 October 2008

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