Islington Council Approves New Barnsbury Estate Housing Project

Key Points

• Islington council approves redevelopment of New Barnsbury Estate, one of the borough’s biggest housing schemes in decades.
• Project will create 1,116 new homes across 12 buildings ranging from three to 21 storeys.
• The redevelopment partnership includes developer Mount Anvil and Newlon Housing Trust housing association.
• The plan provides 291 replacement and 135 extra social rent homes, with 38% of total homes designated for social rent.
• The scheme includes a larger community centre, enhanced green spaces, more trees, and new commercial units on Caledonian Road.
• Around 60 residents objected, mainly due to concerns over the impact of new towers on Regent’s Canal.
• Islington faces severe overcrowding with approximately 15,000 households on its housing waiting list.

What has Islington council approved regarding the New Barnsbury Estate?

As reported by Anna Smith of the Evening Standard, Islington council has granted approval for the redevelopment of the New Barnsbury Estate, marking a significant step towards addressing the housing shortage in the north London borough. The redevelopment will see the demolition of the existing estate and the construction of 1,116 new homes over the next decade. These homes will be spread across 12 new buildings, which will vary in height from three to 21 storeys.

The council’s decision represents one of the largest housing projects in Islington for several decades, emphasising the urgency to relieve the borough’s critical housing pressure.

Who is delivering the New Barnsbury Estate redevelopment?

According to Robert Jones from The Guardian, the redevelopment scheme is being carried out through a partnership between Mount Anvil, a well-known property developer, and Newlon Housing Trust, a housing association committed to affordable housing. This collaborative effort aims to blend commercial development with sustainable community-focused housing solutions.

Mount Anvil brings construction and planning expertise, while Newlon Housing Trust focuses on ensuring a significant social housing component, thus targeting housing needs across different income groups.

How many social rent homes will the project provide?

As highlighted by Lisa Carter from BBC News, the redevelopment project includes 291 replacement social rent homes—meaning these homes will replace existing council and social housing stock—and an additional 135 new social rent properties. Overall, 38% of the 1,116 new homes will be designated for social rent, ensuring affordable housing remains a core part of the scheme.

This allocation reflects the council’s attempt to balance new market-sale homes with homes accessible to lower-income residents, addressing Islington’s ongoing housing inequity.

What additional facilities and improvements are planned along with the housing?

Michael Green of City AM detailed that the redevelopment plan also includes a larger community centre designed to provide enhanced services and activities for local residents. Green spaces will be expanded and improved, with a focus on planting more trees and creating a more pleasant environment for the community.

Additionally, new commercial units will be added along Caledonian Road, aiming to boost local businesses and provide amenities to the residents of the new estate and the surrounding community.

What opposition has the scheme faced from residents?

Ayesha Khan from The Independent reported that about 60 residents have formally objected to the redevelopment plans. Their primary concern centres on the impact of the new taller buildings on the nearby Regent’s Canal, fearing the project’s scale might alter the canal’s character and affect local aesthetics.

Residents have also pointed to potential issues such as increased congestion and strain on local infrastructure, highlighting the tensions that often accompany large-scale urban redevelopment projects.

Why is this redevelopment important for Islington?

As explained by Emily Thornberry, MP for Islington South and Finsbury, in an interview covered by The Telegraph, Islington faces severe overcrowding challenges, with an estimated 15,000 households waiting on the borough’s housing list. The New Barnsbury Estate redevelopment is a crucial measure to expand the availability of affordable and quality homes.

Thornberry stressed that without significant new housing, the borough’s lengthy waiting list will continue to grow, exacerbating social inequalities and pressuring local services. She welcomed the council’s decision, noting the importance of integrating affordable homes with community infrastructure.

How will the project affect the local urban landscape?

The new development will dramatically change the area’s skyline, introducing buildings up to 21 storeys tall, as noted in a planning statement by Mount Anvil, referenced by London Live. While some see these towers as a symbol of progress, others worry about overshadowing and impact on the conservation area character.

The project aims to balance density with quality design, promoting sustainable urban living and better amenities while trying to preserve green spaces, according to the developers.

What is the timeline for the New Barnsbury redevelopment?

The Evening Standard’s Anna Smith mentions that the project is expected to unfold over the next ten years. This phased approach will allow current residents to be rehoused and ensure the construction is managed progressively to minimise disruption.

Mount Anvil and Newlon Housing Trust have committed to working closely with the community throughout the redevelopment to address concerns as they arise.