Islington Council's Planning Committee has approved plans to convert the Elia Mews car park into a self-storage facility, a decision that will see a significant reduction in parking spaces in the area and potentially worsen existing parking stress.
The committee met on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, to consider the change of use application for the underground car park located beneath residential properties on Elia Street and Elia Mews. The approved plans will transform the majority of the car park into 211 lockable storage units, while retaining 22 parking spaces.
This decision aligns with Islington Council's policy to reduce car parking provision and redevelop underutilised sites. The proposal will lead to the removal of 80 car parking spaces, a move supported by local and London Plan policies that actively encourage the reduction of car parking in favour of more sustainable transport modes. However, objectors argued that this loss would worsen parking stress in an area that is already heavily congested,
and that Elia Mews Car Park is one of the last remaining off-street facilities in the vicinity. They also noted that the cumulative loss of parking spaces from Elia Mews and Theseus Walk results in a massive loss in terms of local social immunity.
Despite these concerns, council officers noted that the site is within a Controlled Parking Zone and that alternative off-street car parks exist, such as at Angel Shopping Centre, suggesting the loss would not have an unacceptable impact on parking stress in the neighbouring streets.
During the meeting, objectors also raised concerns about the suitability of the building for self-storage, citing the presence of at least 22 other self-storage facilities within a mile of Elia Mews car park, all of which reportedly have available space. This led to claims of a massive over position of this self-storage lockers,
though specific occupancy rates were not provided.
Further concerns were raised regarding potential increases in traffic, noise, and fire safety. Council officers and the applicant addressed these points, highlighting that the proposed storage units are small, limiting the size of vehicles that can access the site. Operational hours will be restricted to mitigate noise, and conditions have been imposed to secure a Noise Management Plan and an Operational Management Plan. Furthermore, a legal agreement will ensure unrestricted access for the council for maintenance and emergency repairs.
Concerns were also raised regarding access to utilities and communal services for residents in the properties above the car park. It was confirmed that a legal agreement would secure unrestricted access for the council for maintenance and emergency repairs. The committee agreed to an amendment to the heads of terms to ensure access to services and equipment after the fit-out is complete.
The application was approved subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement. This agreement includes contributions towards carbon offsetting and employment and training, specifically securing Provision of £10,000 in lieu of the provision of 2no. on-site work placement during the construction phase of the development
and a Payment of £335 towards employment and training for local residents.
The committee also approved the conversion of the Elia Mews Car Park, with the change of use to a self-storage facility and retained parking spaces being supported in land use terms. The proposal will result in the provision of new business floor space, aligning with the council's aim to redevelop underutilised sites.
More information on the meeting can be found in the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet.