Planning appeal decision
137-139 Essex Road, Islington, London, N1 2NR
Planning appeal 3289507 at 137-139 Essex Road, Islington, London, N1 2NR (London Borough of Islington) was allowed on 30 June 2022 by Inspector Smith A, by written representations. The main issue, as the Inspector framed it: The effect of the proposed fourth floor extension upon the character and appearance of the host building and the surrounding area.
demolition and replacement of front and rear facades (including roofing) and erection of a two-storey extension fronting Essex Road, and two- storey extension fronting Astey's Row (with glass box above) to accommodate 6x new residential units (2 no. 1-bedroom unit [2 person] x 2no. 2-bedroom units [3 person] x 1no. 2-bedroom units [4 person] x 1no. 3-bedroom unit); refurbishment of existing ground and first floor and creation of part basement level to provide office floorspace, and retention of part ground floor retail unit fronting Essex Road
- Authority
- London Borough of Islington
- Appeal type
- minor · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- residential · Minor Dwellings
- Inspector
- Smith A
- Postcode
- N1 2SN
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- The effect of the proposed fourth floor extension upon the character and appearance of the host building and the surrounding area.
What decided it
The fourth floor extension, being setback, lightweight in appearance, and broadly assimilating with neighbouring heights, would not cause unacceptable harm to character and appearance, particularly when assessed against the realistic fallback position of the June 2020 permission.
What the Inspector cited
- Development plan policies
- Policy D1Policy D4Policy CS8Policy DM2.1Policy DM8.5Policy CS10Policy DM7.4
How the Inspector dealt with each one is set out in the app, in order: the development plan, national policy, housing land supply, other considerations and the planning balance, beside the letter.
See how each was appliedThe decision letter
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With an account
What an account adds to this decision


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- Notice upheld23 September 20263364241First and Second Floors, 72 Prebend Street, Islington, London, N1 8PR
The main issues, what decided it, the planning balance and the policies and judgments listed as cited are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro and are our summary, not the Inspector’s words; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.
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