Islington's Planning Sub Committee A has granted planning permission for the comprehensive refurbishment and extension of office buildings at 68-70 and 60 Goswell Road. The decision, made on Monday 20 July 2026, allows for façade alterations, new roof extensions with terrace space, photovoltaic panels, plant areas with screening, new shopfronts, and associated works to improve accessibility and fire safety.
The approved development will increase the Gross Internal Area (GIA) by 374 square metres, intended for modern and flexible office accommodation
and additional commercial floor space with essential activities on retention of active commercial frontage
. The proposal includes new roof extension across both buildings with associated terrace PV panels air source e-pond new shop pond improved accessibility and fire measures and additional floor space 374 square meter
.
During the committee's discussion, Councillor Martin Klute raised questions regarding the number and angle of the photovoltaic panels, seeking clarification on their suboptimal mounting. The planning officer explained that the angle was a balance between visibility and energy performance, noting that the panels are not visible from the public realm. The applicant's representative, Charles from CMA, confirmed that the PV panels were maximised and angled to avoid public visibility.
Concerns about potential light pollution in the rear courtyard were also addressed. Officers stated that no such impact was identified and that a condition for plant noise had been imposed. Previously, objectors had raised concerns that the proposed external escape stair would block daylight, reduce privacy and increase a sense of enclosure within the narrow rear courtyard, and that this element could instead be accommodated internally.
The scheme has since been revised to remove the external escape stair, and officers are satisfied that the concerns regarding daylight, privacy, and enclosure have been appropriately addressed.
Councillor Sheridan Kates inquired about the maintenance of the green roof. The applicant expressed willingness to accept a maintenance condition, stating, we'd be very happy to have a maintenance condition applied if you thought that would give you some assurance.
The planning officer suggested that a condition could be added to require maintenance details to be submitted, approved in writing and maintained as such thereafter that lasts in perpetuity.
Specific details of the schedule and responsibility were not fully elaborated.
Councillor Giulio Ferrini asked about the projected Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating and engagement with residents regarding daylight and sunlight impacts. The applicant stated they did not have the EPC figure readily available but confirmed extensive consultation with neighbours. Officers clarified that the daylight and sunlight report was based on a worst-case scenario.
The refurbishment and extension of the office buildings at 68-70 and 60 Goswell Road involved balancing heritage importance of some of the Burlington sites and the overriding sustainability requirements of development generally, but particularly in the context of Islington's very ambitious sustainability policies.
The applicant's representative highlighted this balance, stating, I think we struck a really good balance here of respecting the heritage importance of some of the Burlington sites and the overriding sustainability requirements of development generally, but particularly in the context of Islington's very ambitious sustainability policies.
The committee deliberated, with Councillor Klute noting the gentle intensification of the site and the strong sustainability measures. Councillor Kates supported the proposal, emphasizing the applicant's extensive work with planning officers and the reinstatement of the rear of the building to its original state. A condition regarding green roof maintenance was proposed and seconded, to be added to the existing conditions. The committee then voted to grant planning permission.
Read more about Islington's planning policies in the Public reports pack for the meeting.