Islington
Planning & Building Contacts

Around 40 conservation areas cover the majority of Islington's built environment. The borough has one of the highest densities of Georgian terraces in London - Barnsbury, Canonbury, Highbury and Clerkenwell are particularly significant. The Regent's Canal passes through the borough. King's Cross sits on the southern boundary. The Angel and Upper Street are busy commercial areas with active development management. Pre-application advice is strongly recommended for anything beyond routine maintenance.

Building regulations approval is required for most structural work, extensions, loft conversions, new windows and heating system changes. You may use either the council's own building control service or a private Approved Inspector. For listed buildings, building control must be coordinated with Listed Building Consent requirements.

Islington has an exceptional concentration of 18th and early 19th century terraced housing. Canonbury Tower (Grade I) is the most significant medieval survival. The Regent's Canal conservation area covers the canal through Islington and De Beauvoir. Highbury Fields and the Victorian villas surrounding it form a distinctive character area. Around 40 conservation areas protect Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian residential and commercial environments. Listed Building Consent is required in addition to planning permission for any works to a listed building that would affect its special architectural or historic interest, including internal works.

Flood risk in Islington is relatively limited given its position away from the Thames. The New River (now largely infilled) and the Regent's Canal create minor local flood risk. Surface water flooding is a significant risk given the highly impermeable urban fabric. Check surface water flood risk maps for specific sites.