Islington has approved plans to meet future housing needs while preventing overcrowding that could threaten the unique character of the borough.
The Core Planning Stategy was approved at Council on 3 October 2006 and now goes to the Secretary of State for approval.
It's aim is to achieve sustainable development as population and housing pressures increase in future years. It's estimated that Islington population will top 200,000 by 2011 - up from an estimated 184,000 in 2006.
Islington Council has been one of the most successful London boroughs in providing new housing with 910 units completed last year, compared with the Mayor's target of 900.
Cllr Terry Stacy, Executive Member for Housing and Communities said:
"Islington will be getting more homes and we'll be deciding locally how many and where they go. The Core Planning Strategy puts the interests of Islington first, making sure new developments deliver homes for all of Islington's growing population.
"We are not a borough with a lot of room - so we have to make sure new developments are sustainable, don't damage residents' quality of life or spoil the borough's unique character and green spaces which make people want to live and work here."
The council carried out a year's public consultation which resulted in considerable changes to the draft Core Planning Strategy. It means the council will adopt a high density approach to housing to make the best use of the limited available space in the borough. It will also commit the council to making sure half the homes in new developments above 10 units are affordable.
Tall buildings will only be allowed in limited zones e.g. Kings Cross, Finsbury Park and the City Fringe.
Cllr Stacy continued: "Bringing down the threshold on affordable housing units will help those on housing waiting lists - we've created over 1,300 affordable homes in recent years.
"New buildings are perhaps the most visible sign of regeneration in Islington but we also have to consider how our planning policies can contribute to sustainable, mixed and balanced communities."
In addition, new building developments must minimise their effect on the environment by using sustainably sourced materials and by saving water and power. Larger schemes must source 20 per cent of their energy needs from renewable energy sources.
Notes:
The Core Planning Strategy is a key part of the Local Development Framework and replaces the borough's Unitary Development Plan.
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Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008