Islington Residents Split Over 180-Home Development Plan at Essex Road

More than 200 formal objections have reached Islington Council against plans for a nine-storey block of 180 flats at 45 Essex Road, submitted on 10 June 2026 under reference 2026/1847.

The application arrives as the borough faces a target of 1,456 net new homes a year set by the London Plan, with only 712 completions recorded in the previous financial year. Local campaigners argue the density would overwhelm the narrow street and adjacent conservation area, while the developer cites urgent need for rental units near Angel tube station.

Objectors include the Islington Society and residents from Canonbury Square who say the massing would block winter sunlight from the square’s gardens and increase pressure on already crowded pavements outside the Old Queen’s Head pub. They point to recent approvals at Highbury Corner that added 92 units yet produced just 14 affordable homes after viability reviews.

Residents highlight daylight loss and traffic

A shadow study submitted by neighbours shows the proposed block would reduce direct sunlight to 14 windows on adjacent terraces by more than 30 percent on 21 December. Parking stress in the CPZ already reaches 92 percent at peak times according to the council’s 2025 survey, and objectors fear delivery vans for the new units would add to queues on Essex Road during morning rush hour. Average asking prices for two-bedroom flats in the immediate postcode stand at £785,000, prompting claims that the scheme will not ease local affordability.

Applicant points to housing shortfall and design changes

The developer, London Square, states the scheme will deliver 35 percent affordable units by habitable room, above the borough’s 30 percent threshold, and has reduced the height by one storey following pre-application advice. Officers note the site lies within walking distance of both Angel and Essex Road stations, supporting the principle of higher density under the council’s emerging site allocations document. A revised daylight assessment claims no neighbouring property would fall below the BRE 20 percent vertical sky component threshold after mitigation measures.

The planning committee is scheduled to consider the application on 23 July. Written comments close on 15 July and can be submitted via the council’s public access portal using the reference number above. Neighbours are also invited to address the committee in person at the Town Hall on Upper Street.

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.