Policy information sourced from the Islington Local Plan

H1 Thriving communities

  • Islington should continue to be a place where people of different incomes, tenures and backgrounds can live in mixed and balanced communities which are economically, environmentally and socially healthy and resilient. All new housing development must be fully integrated within, and relate positively to, its immediate neighbours and locality. Gated development is not suitable, as it isolates and compartmentalises communities.
  • All new housing must contribute to the delivery of the Local Plan vision and objectives, making the borough a fairer place through the delivery of the right type of housing that meets identified needs.
  • Islington support high density housing development. Proposals which include housing must make the most efficient use of land to ensure that the optimal amount of housing is delivered, while having regard to other Development Plan policies and the specific site context. Proposed developments which result in the reduction of land supply which could reasonably be expected to be suitable for conventional housing, and would therefore threaten the ability to meet housing targets, will be refused. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy H2.
  • High quality new homes are integral to achieving the aim of making the most efficient use of land and improving quality of life of residents. Homes should be designed as a place of retreat and as such must contribute to improving the health and wellbeing (both physical and mental health) of residents. New homes must be designed to be adaptable over their lifetime to accommodate changing needs. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy H4.
  • Delivery of genuinely affordable housing is a key priority of the Local Plan. The overarching strategic target over the plan period is for 50% of all new housing to be genuinely affordable. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy H3.
  • The affordable housing tenure split on all schemes must prioritise forms of affordable housing which is genuinely affordable for those in need, particularly social rented housing. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy H3.
  • Islington will seek affordable housing contributions from small sites (less than 10 net additional units) to fund the development of affordable housing in the borough, including Council-led housing developments. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy H3.
  • Islington is committed to meeting and exceeding the boroughs minimum housing delivery target as set out in the London Plan. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy H2.
  • The Council will maintain a supply of housing land to meet housing targets over the plan period, with a particular focus on demonstrating a five year supply of land. The Council will produce a housing trajectory, which will be published annually as part of the monitoring framework. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy H2.
  • The size mix of new housing must reflect local need, with priority for units suitable for families. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy H2.
  • Conventional residential accommodation must be designed to meet a variety of needs throughout its lifetime. Various forms of specialist housing may be necessary to provide support to specific groups of vulnerable people and those at risk. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy H9.
  • Housing needs for older people will predominantly be met through conventional housing. Where there is an identified need, specialist accommodation for vulnerable older people may be required. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy H7.
  • The provision of additional student accommodation will be restricted to allocated sites or sites in existing use as purpose built student accommodation or where there is a wider master-planned approach to consolidate and reconfigure educational floorspace on a university campus. Any proposals for student accommodation will be expected to provide affordable student accommodation. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy H6.
  • Purpose Built Private Rented Sector development will need to provide affordable housing in line with Policy H3 and meet the criteria set out in Policy H11.
  • Self-build and Custom build housing will be supported on suitable sites, where compliant with other relevant policies. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy H8.
  • The Council will support the provision of new supported housing where there is an identified need, and will resist the loss of existing supported housing. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy H9.
  • Existing good quality Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) will be protected. Large-scale HMOs – such as co-living schemes –are not considered to make the best use of land and deliver the priorities of the Local Plan. Proposals for large scale HMOs will be assessed against the criteria set out in Policy H10.
  • The Council will seek to meet an identified need for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy H12.
  • Islington will support the retention and development of social and community infrastructure necessary to support the borough’s residents, workers and visitors. This infrastructure must be designed to be high quality, appropriate to specific needs and requirements of the use and users; and located in places that are accessible, safe and convenient for people of all ages that use them. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy SC1.
  • Existing play space will be protected and new play space will be sought as part of development. This should meet the needs of children and young people of all ages and abilities. Provision of incidental play space and the creation of playable environments, as part of building/public realm design, adds a further important element of play. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy SC2.
  • The health of communities is a very important consideration as part of new development. Health Impact Assessments will be required in order to assess how new development will affect the health of local communities. Further detail on this policy approach is set out in Policy SC3.

For more information please see the Islington Local Plan