Islington Council's Planning Sub Committee B has granted planning permission for the demolition of existing temporary structures and the construction of a new single-storey community building at Sunnyside Community Gardens.
The decision, made on Thursday, September 3, 2026, will allow for the creation of a modern, accessible facility to replace outdated buildings, some of which were damaged by arson in 2013. The new 114-square-metre building will serve as a vital hub for the community gardens, supporting volunteer activities, therapeutic horticulture programmes, and educational events.
Planning officers recommended the application for approval, highlighting the high quality of the proposed design and its sustainability features. Anna Portch, Manager at Sunnyside Community Gardens, spoke in support of the application, emphasizing the gardens' long history of volunteer work and their importance as a third space
for the local community. She stated, These volunteers all deserve a pleasant and accessible building.
The new community building incorporates several sustainability features, including solar panels on its south-facing mono-pitched roof, triple-glazed windows with aluminium and timber frames, and a green corrugated sheet metal roof. Vertical greening will be supported by metal mesh trellis structures on the east, west, and south elevations. The design also includes rainwater harvesting for horticultural use, with two IBC water butts proposed, and water-efficient fittings such as dual flush WCs, flow restrictors, and aerators. Reclaimed bricks and stone brick columns are specified for the façade and new walls, with a focus on low-embodied carbon materials. Energy efficiency measures will optimize thermal performance through high-performance glazing, walls, roof, and floors, complemented by low-energy lighting and smart sensors. Biodiversity enhancements include bird and bat boxes, native and wildlife-friendly landscaping, ground-level boundary holes for hedgehogs, and dead wood habitat piles.
During the meeting, councillors discussed aspects of the design, including biodiversity net gain and security measures. Councillor Clare Jeapes inquired about maximizing biodiversity on the constrained site. A planning officer explained that while on-site options were explored, off-site credits would be necessary due to a slight deficit identified in the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Feasibility Assessment. The report notes that opportunities for off-site habitat enhancements elsewhere in the borough were explored but deemed impractical at the time of writing. A condition is recommended to secure the remaining biodiversity uplift by way of credits. Councillor Sheridan Kates raised questions about the design of windows and security features. Architects explained the balance between security, light, and ease of use, noting that the building incorporates integrated security roller shutters for the front porch, moveable mesh security screens, fixed mesh panels for clerestory windows, and metal grill shutters for side windows. These measures are designed to be robust, straightforward, and easy to use and maintain, while also addressing security concerns. The open mesh for clerestory windows is not expected to significantly impede light, and internal roller blinds will be used for shading against solar gain, as agreed by condition amendment regarding window treatments.
Concerns about the demolition timeline and support for volunteers during construction were also addressed. The applicant's team explained that the existing port-a-cabin and toilet block would be retained for as long as possible, supplemented by a temporary greenhouse on an adjacent site. The construction period is estimated to be approximately one year, with the initial months focused on enabling works and demolition. To support volunteers during this period, a new greenhouse will be erected on an offsite location, and volunteers will shelter there. The port-a-cabin and toilet block are also hoped to be kept operational throughout the build.
The planning permission is crucial for securing the necessary capital grants to fund the construction. Anna Portch stated, So far, we have been pledged £172,000 of the £500,000 for this building is going to cost us.
She further explained, Sunnyside needs to have planning permission to be able to apply for capital grants that we need very much so we can afford to build this building.
The committee unanimously voted to approve the application, subject to several conditions. These include the commencement of development within three years, adherence to approved plans, and the submission and approval of a Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) before development commences. The CEMP will detail arrangements for neighbour notification, access, vehicle management, dust mitigation, waste storage, hours of work, external lighting, noise prevention, security, environmental impacts, highway access, construction compounds, and air quality impacts. Other conditions include provisions for cycle parking, operational hours for community use (0900-2200 Monday-Saturday and 0900-2000 Sunday and Bank Holidays), submission of an updated Operational Management Plan, details of site-wide general security measures, a tree protection scheme, a full landscaping scheme, a CEMP: Biodiversity, details of biodiversity enhancements, a Biodiversity Gain Plan, a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan, a Fire Safety Strategy, a Delivery and Servicing Plan, and details of toilets including accessible facilities. The building's use will be restricted to Use Class F2(b) (Halls or meeting places for the principle use of the local community), and energy efficiency measures must be installed and operational before first occupation.
The new building is expected to significantly enhance the facilities available at Sunnyside Community Gardens, supporting its continued contribution to the local community.
The original article was published on 3 September 2026. This updated version incorporates information from the meeting's public reports pack, available at https://democracy.islington.gov.uk/documents/g5456/Public%20reports%20pack%2003rd-Sep-2026%2019.30%20Planning%20Sub%20Committee%20B.pdf?T=10.
Further details on the meeting agenda can be found at https://democracy.islington.gov.uk/documents/g5456/Agenda%20frontsheet%2003rd-Sep-2026%2019.30%20Planning%20Sub%20Committee%20B.pdf?T=0.
Minutes of the previous meeting are available at https://democracy.islington.gov.uk/documents/s48039/Minutes%20of%20Previous%20Meeting.pdf.
