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) 

The Planning Obligations SPD sets out details of the Council’s policies on planning obligations, information on standard obligations and charges and the procedure for entering into a Section 106 (S106) agreement.

The draft SPD was consulted on publicly in October and November 2008. Comments received during the consultation process have been reviewed by the Council and a revised version was considered by the Council’s Executive and adopted on 16 July 2009. The adopted SPD, adoption statement, consultation statement and other supporting documents can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

The SPD does not address affordable housing which is dealt with in a guidance note available at the bottom of the page as well as the Core Strategy and other LDF documents.

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

Anne Banyai – Planner (Planning Obligations)
E-mail: anne.banyai@islington.gov.uk
Phone: 0207 527 1834

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

Ciara Power – Monitoring Officer (S106)
E-mail: ciara.power@islington.gov.uk
Phone: 0207 527 2257

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

Please note: some of the documents available below are quite large, and may take some time to download.