Proposed Rezoning Could Transform Barnsbury Suburb

Islington Council on 8 July 2026 lodged documents to rezone 2.8 hectares of land off St Peter's Street in Barnsbury from light industrial to residential-led mixed use.

The move arrives as the borough faces a shortfall of 1,900 homes against its London Plan target for the current period. Officers cited rising demand for family-sized units and pressure from nearby transport upgrades as reasons the application reached the planning committee this summer.

Site and surrounding area

The parcel sits between the Regent's Canal towpath and the Packington Estate, two minutes' walk from Essex Road station. Planners note the change would allow buildings up to eight storeys, replacing single-storey warehouses that last hosted a distribution firm for the Angel Central shopping centre until 2023.

Residents in adjacent streets such as Noel Road and Thornhill Square have already attended two drop-in sessions run by the council's planning department at Islington Assembly Hall. Local groups including the Barnsbury Neighbourhood Forum have submitted initial objections focused on daylight loss and increased traffic on the Caledonian Road corridor.

Numbers and timeline

Current average sale prices in Barnsbury stand at £925,000 according to Land Registry data for the first quarter of 2026. The rezoning application projects delivery of 310 new homes, 40 percent of them affordable, with construction potentially starting in late 2028 if the scheme receives final approval in September.

The public consultation period runs until 5 August. Residents can view full drawings at the council's offices on Upper Street or submit comments through the planning portal before the committee meets on 17 September.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.