®Planning appeal decision
139-149 Fonthill Road, London, N4 3HF
Planning appeal 3349970 at 139-149 Fonthill Road, London, N4 3HF (London Borough of Islington) was allowed on 25 March 2025 by Inspector Wilkinson S, by written representations. The main issue, as the Inspector framed it: The effect of the proposal on the retail function, character and vitality and viability of the Finsbury Park Town Centre and the function of the Specialist Shopping Area (SSA).
refurbishment and extension of the building to include basement works, the erection of a single storey fourth floor extension and the replacement of rear buildings ’ saw tooth roof with a flat roof to provide Class E floorspace and 4 no. residential dwellings (Use Class C3) and creation of roof terraces. Demolition of existing chimney and rebuilding and enlargement of existing chimney and reinstating the missing Cupola. Alterations to the front elevation including new shopfronts and associated works
- Authority
- London Borough of Islington
- Appeal type
- minor · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- residential · Minor Dwellings
- Inspector
- Wilkinson S
- Postcode
- N4 3HF
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- The effect of the proposal on the retail function, character and vitality and viability of the Finsbury Park Town Centre and the function of the Specialist Shopping Area (SSA)
- Whether or not the proposed use and design of the upper floors is consistent with the site's location in the SSA
- Whether or not the scheme achieves inclusive design
- Whether or not the proposed development would make adequate provision for affordable housing
What decided it
The marketing evidence demonstrating the inability to secure tenants for office uses and the compelling financial viability appraisal showing a negative residual valuation due to changed economic circumstances since 2020 reduced the weight accorded to policy conflicts and justified allowing the appeal.
What the Inspector cited
- Development plan policies
- LP SD7LP D3ILP SP6ILP R1ILP R2ILP R3ILP R7ILP H2ILP H3ILP PLAN1ILP DH1ILP B2ILP DM41ILP ST1
- National Planning Policy Framework
- Paragraph 58
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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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.