Islington Council is set to consult with local schools, residents, and community stakeholders regarding a proposed change of use for land on Maygood Street, N1. The decision was made during the Executive meeting on June 26, 2025, where councillors also discussed a range of other issues, including budget monitoring, housing, and digital strategy.
The council aims to make the best use of its assets, and the land at Maygood Street is currently surplus to educational requirements. The proposal seeks to enable the delivery of much-needed genuinely affordable homes, including larger homes suitable for families. The Executive delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Community Wealth Building to consider consultation responses and decide whether to seek consent from the Secretary of State for a change of use from education to residential.
Other key decisions and discussions during the meeting included:
- Budget Monitoring: The Executive reviewed the Budget Monitoring Outturn for 2024/25, noting achievements in financial management, such as a reduction in the net General Fund variance and increases in General Fund and Housing Revenue Account Earmarked Reserves. However, significant directorate overspends, particularly in Housing Needs due to Temporary Accommodation costs and shortfalls in commercial property income, were also highlighted.
- Digital and Data Strategy: The Executive agreed to publish and adopt a Council-wide Digital and Data Strategy to underpin the Islington Together 2030 plan. The strategy focuses on simplifying access to services, empowering teams, harnessing data, and fostering collaboration.
- Housing Partnerships: The Executive approved the council performing the financial administration of the North London Housing Partnership, continuing its role in reducing rough sleeping and homelessness.
- Commercial Property: The Executive was asked to note the proposed restructuring of the Council's commercial property portfolio, in line with the Strategic Asset Management Plan, to reduce the Council's financial risk and generate capital receipts. The report pack noted that a strategic review of the commercial property portfolio was a key objective within the SAMP, given the fundamental change in the office market and the increasing financial risk this presents to the Council.
Councillor Una O'Halloran, Leader of the Council, and other members of the Executive, including Councillor Santiago Bell-Bradford (Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, Culture & Jobs) and Councillor John Woolf (Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods), were present to discuss these critical issues facing the borough.