Planning Obligations

Planning Obligations

What are planning obligations?

Planning obligations are used as part of the planning application process to address specific planning issues arising from a development proposal. They are normally agreed between the Council, land owners and developers within legal agreements (Section 106 agreements) and are intended to make a development acceptable which would otherwise be unacceptable in planning terms.

Planning obligations can be used to specify the nature of development, address the impacts of development and to contribute to infrastructure needs associated with the proposal. They can help to ensure that new development is sustainable and assist in meeting the objectives of the Islington Sustainable Community Strategy, Islington's Core Strategy (part of the Islington Local Development Framework) and other relevant policies. Government advice setting out how planning obligations can be used is set out in Circular 05/2005 which is available to download below.

Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) Consultation

The draft SPD sets out further detailed information on planning obligations policy to be applied in the borough. This along with relevant supporting documents are available from the Local Development Framework pages using the link on the right. You can also download them at the bottom of this page.

The draft SPD was consulted on publicly in October and November 2008. The Council is currently considering comments received during the consultation process and will publish a summary of these and its responses. A revised version of the SPD is then to be considered by the Council’s Executive in July 2009.

Who should I contact about planning obligations?

The Development Management case officer appointed to deal with a proposal is usually the first point of contact for the developer and can advise on the main principles of proposals and initial information regarding planning applications. 

Specific S106 Officers work with the case officer to draw up the proposed terms of agreement, instruct the Council's legal department to draft the agreement and are involved in the monitoring and implementation of agreements.

Affordable Housing is dealt with by a separate officer; please see below.

Contact details:

John Wacher – Team Leader (Planning Obligations)
E-mail: john.wacher@islington.gov.uk
Phone: 020 7527 2564

Oliver Jefferson – Senior Planner (Planning Obligations)
E-mail: oliver.jefferson@islington.gov.uk
Phone: 0207 527 1869

Tom Webster – Senior Planner (Planning Obligations)
E-mail: tom.webster@islington.gov.uk
Phone: 020 7527 2267

Anne Banyai – Monitoring Officer (S106)
E-mail: anne.banyai@islington.gov.uk
Phone: 0207 527 1834

Planning Policy, Projects and Information
Strategic Planning and Regeneration
4 Floor, Municipal Offices 
222 Upper Street
N1 1YA

Affordable Housing

There is a dedicated Affordable Housing Officer who takes the lead on negotiating affordable housing and advising Development Management Case Officers and potential applicants on all matters relating to affordable housing. A guidance note on affordable housing is available at the bottom of the page.

Contact details:

Yvette Siddo – Principal Affordable Housing Officer
Email: yvette.siddo@islington.gov.uk
Phone: 020 7527 4346/ 3973

Strategic Planning and Regeneration
PO Box 3333
222 Upper Street
London N1 1YA