Residents celebrate as Islington Council block scheme

An unpopular multi-million pound plan for a century old Ironmongers has been throw out by the Islington Council.

The scheme to turn the former Thomas Brothers shop, in Holloway Road, Archway, into nine “ugly” flats was unanimously turned down by an Islington Council planning Committee on Tuesday.

People in the area, who had branded the plan unprofitable and nonsensical, packed a “heaving” meeting room at the town hall.

Jonny Gee, who lives next door to the development, said: “One councillor said he had never seen the room so full.

“The council have been fantastic in supporting us and we’re really grateful.

“Afterwards we all went to a wine bar and people are who had never met before were chatting away, it was an amazing experience.”

“Some of the younger residents said it was amazing to see democracy in action, representing the voice of the locals.

”We don’t want to scupper their plans, we just want them to develop the area which we love.”

Ruth Culver, Mr Gee’s wife, added: “The room was absolutely heaving.

“Now we hope the developers will address the issues raised rather than appeal this decision.”