Policy information sourced from the Islington Local Plan

G2 Protecting open space

  • All public open space identified on the Policies Map and significant private open spaces are protected from development. The exception to this is where development associated with the use of the canal is proposed, including changes to existing canal facilities. Relevant criteria are set out in Policy SP2: King’s Cross and Pentonville Road and Policy AAP4: City Road of the Bunhill and Clerkenwell AAP. Such development may be acceptable where it meets the relevant criteria in these policies and does not unacceptably impact the quality and function of the open space.
  • Development within the immediate vicinity of public open space must not impact negatively on the amenity, ecological value and functionality of the space. All impacts must be prevented/mitigated through the design of the scheme.
  • The Council will protect open space on housing estates. Where development is proposed on open spaces on housing estates, on-site re-provision of the same quantum of space of an improved quality is encouraged. Full loss of open space on housing estates will be resisted. Proposals which will lead to a net loss but which will re-provide a quantum of on-site open space which is both functional and useable may be acceptable where:
    1. the lesser amount of space is of a higher quality;
    2. multi-functional use of the space is encouraged, for example use as play space and/or climate change mitigation (as appropriate);
    3. permeability and connectivity within and between spaces is improved, ensuring that the space remains substantially undeveloped and open, and that accessibility to the general public is improved;
    4. rationalisation of estate car parking has been fully explored, in order to offset the loss of open space as far as possible and in accordance with the Council’s car-free policy. Where the existing estate car parking has not been rationalised as part of the proposal, robust justification must be provided to explain why; and improvements to alternative open space provision in the immediate area are investigated and secured, to offset the loss of open space as part of the proposal.
  • Development of private open spaces will be permitted unless, individually or cumulatively:
    1. the site makes a valuable contribution to the character and appearance of the surrounding area, including its open aspect;
    2. the site is of biodiversity value, including consideration of ecological connectivity in the wider area;
    3. the site is of social or community value, for example, areas that provide access to green space and nature;
    4. the site makes, or has the potential to make, a contribution to mitigating the impacts of climate change, including urban cooling and reducing flood risk; or
    5. the development would have a harmful impact on the amenity of future or neighbouring occupiers through its future development.

For more information please see the Islington Local Plan