One of Islington’s top music venues claimed its future was under threat if a developer was allowed to build 90 homes next door.

Union Chapel, in Compton Terrace, said that because of its lack of soundproofing, the venue would have to scale back – or even end – its performances of the development went ahead.

Event manager Pete Stapleton said: “If people were to complain about noise to the council, action would have to be taken against us.

“That could prevent us functioning as a concert venue.”

He concluded: “That would be terrible.”

The planning application, by Notting Hill Housing, was to build two five-storey buildings on the former Highbury Ford car showroom in Canonbury Road.

It received 200 formal objections, and 2,300 people signed a petition calling on Islington Council to reject the plans.

The application was eventually given the go-ahead in January 2013. But, happily, the chapel continues to thrive as a concert venue.