Hundreds of new homes to be delivered in North London via “fantastic” scheme

One of the biggest residential planning applications in Islington in recent years has been approved by the London Borough of Islington’s planning committee.

The move sees permission granted for the transformation of the New Barnsbury Estate, where Newlon Housing Trust and Mount Anvil JV will develop 914 homes, including 47 per cent social rented housing, alongside retail and community floorspace and extensive public space.

This is the culmination of three years’ work by planning and development consultancy Lichfields on “one of London’s largest and most high-profile estate projects”.

The New Barnsbury scheme, designed by PTE Architects, will make a contribution towards pressing strategic and local housing objectives in Islington. It will see material improvements to housing stock, biodiversity, urban greening, carbon abatement and the local townscape.

The scheme will increase the quantum and quality of usable open space across the site; delivering two public parks, community gardens, extensive play space and roof level amenity space.

It addresses a range of existing social and environmental problems at the estate including overcrowded substandard housing, an inefficient layout, poor energy efficiency, accessibility challenges and redundant open space.

The tenure-blind new homes will replace 371 deficient homes at the existing estate. Existing social housing tenants will all be re-accommodated in the new homes at the same rent levels and on the basis of a single decant commitment.

Islington’s committee “firmly supported” the development, recognising the scheme’s significant local housing, employment and environmental benefits. Members commended the extensive engagement undertaken by the application with estate residents, the scheme’s design quality and the standard of the application submission.

Newlon and Mount Anvil are committed to commencing the development by March 2023. The new homes will be delivered on a phased basis across the estate over the next ten years.

Ben Kelway, senior director at Lichfields London office, commented: “We are delighted to secure a positive committee resolution on New Barnsbury this week. This is the culmination of several years of work across the team and a major milestone for the project.

“New Barnsbury is a fantastic scheme which will transform the estate and significantly improve the lives of its residents.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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