Policy information sourced from the Islington Development Management Policies
DM4.12 Social and strategic infrastructure and cultural facilities
The council will not permit any loss or reduction in social infrastructure uses unless:
- a replacement facility is provided on site which would, in the council’s view, meet the need of the local population for the specific use; or
- the specific use is no longer required on site. In such circumstances, the applicant must provide evidence demonstrating:
- that the proposal would not lead to a shortfall in provision for the specific use within the local catchment;
- that there is either no demand for another suitable social infrastructure use on site, or that the site/premises is no longer appropriate for social infrastructure uses; and
- any replacement/relocated facilities for the specific use provide a level of accessibility and standard of provision at least equal to that of the existing facility.
The council will seek the provision of new social infrastructure and cultural facilities as part of large mixed-use developments. Developments that result in additional need for social infrastructure or cultural facilities will be required to contribute towards enhancing existing infrastructure/facilities, or provide/contribute towards new infrastructure/facilities. This contribution will be addressed through CIL and/or section 106 obligations, as appropriate.
New social infrastructure and cultural facilities, including extensions to existing infrastructure and facilities, must:
- be located in areas convenient for the communities they serve and accessible by a range of sustainable transport modes, including walking, cycling and public transport;
- provide buildings that are inclusive, accessible, flexible and which provide design and space standards which meet the needs of intended occupants;
- be sited to maximise shared use of the facility, particularly for recreational and community uses; and
- complement existing uses and the character of the area, and avoid adverse impacts on the amenity of surrounding uses.
New cultural facilities that are expected to attract significant numbers of visitors should be located in the Central Activities Zone or the Town Centres.
The loss and/or Change of Use of cultural facilities such as arts venues, theatres, cinemas, public galleries and community art centres will be strongly resisted.
The installation, renewal or alteration of any strategic infrastructure which requires planning permission will generally be supported unless:
- it would result in the loss of a site which, by virtue of its location, would be more suitable for employment or residential uses; or
- it gives rise to unacceptable noise, amenity (particularly residential amenity) and/or environmental issues.
See also Policy DM2.1 (Design) and Policy DM2.7 (Telecommunications and utilities).
For more information please see the Islington Development Management Policies