Islington Council loses battle over Finsbury Park development
A framing firm that has worked with the likes of David Hockney and Francis Bacon has won its long-running battle to build a large student development.
Art company John Jones has been given the go-ahead by the High Court to build a �70million student block, after Islington Council’s attempts to stop the plans were thrown out.
Work will finally start on the seven-storey structure in Morris Place, Finsbury Park, in the autumn.
The company says it is building 15 flats and 475 student rooms to fund a new workshop that will enable it to expand.
Matthew Jones, the managing director, said: “We are in desperate need of more space and this decision is great news for our business.
“I hope that now the judge has made his decision, we can move forward, working with the council for the benefit of Finsbury Park.”
Planning permission was granted in March last year by a planning inspector on appeal, after the council rejected the scheme.
Most Read
- 1 Disqualified driver jailed after hit-and-run involving Islington schoolgirl
- 2 Shell casings found after Islington gun reports
- 3 Travel disruptions: Hackney, Islington, Tower Hamlets, Newham
- 4 Plan to extend popular Gooners pub with shops and flats
- 5 Artisan coffee house opens in Angel Central following £16m refurbishment
- 6 Four Hackney and Islington properties with amazing skyline views
- 7 Five appear in court charged with drugs offences after dawn raids
- 8 Blue Badge exemption and positive results for Canonbury East LTN
- 9 Archway teacher on trial for 'encouraging terrorism'
- 10 Gun found in car as Met makes 130 arrests during drugs op
It wanted affordable housing on the site.
Cllr James Murray, executive member for housing and development, said: “We believe a scheme with fewer student flats would still be feasible – it would bring new jobs for the area alongside new affordable housing.
“We are disappointed by the court’s decision and will decide our next steps in the coming weeks.”
