Planners approve Barnsbury Estate transformation
11th Dec 2025
We are really pleased to report that revised proposals for the regeneration of the New Barnsbury Estate yesterday were approved by Islington’s Planning Committee on the evening of the 9th November.
Plans were originally approved in November 2022 but were significantly revised following changes in fire and building safety requirements.
The new plans were overwhelmingly supported by our residents.
The project will be one of Islington’s most significant housing projects in decades and will deliver 1,116 new homes in total including 291 replacement and 135 additional social rent properties, plus a larger community centre, improved green spaces, and new commercial units on Caledonian Road.
The approved plans will tackle overcrowding on the estate and create a greener, more inclusive neighbourhood for residents.
Cllr Santiago Bell-Bradford, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, Culture & Jobs said: “Everyone in Islington deserves a decent, secure and affordable home – and this decision shows how good planning can deliver that.
“This scheme will provide more than 1,000 new, modern, safe homes that meet Building Safety Act standards.
“Alongside this, we’re creating two new public parks, a larger community centre, and better connections for walking and cycling – a great example of planning delivering real benefits for local people.”
Ruth Davison Chief Executive, Newlon Housing Trust:
“This has been a longtime coming for our residents on the Barnsbury Estate, and we thank them for keeping the faith.
Now the work starts to build high quality homes, parks and a community centre fitting to the community spirit of the place.
Unusually, most of the social rented homes will be delivered first at Barnsbury, so those whose home this already is will have the benefit of the investment first. It’s just one of our commitments as a community social landlord, as well as ensuring families are no longer overcrowded on the estate, and that we deliver an additional 135 homes for families on Islington’s waiting list.”
Marcus Bate, Mount Anvil’s Partnerships, Planning, Communities & Sustainability Director said: “Securing this planning approval is a just reward for residents of the Barnsbury Estate, after many years of committed collaboration between Mount Anvil, Newlon and Islington.
Together, we’ve shaped a plan that delivers 1,116 high-quality homes, a much-needed new civic building, two new public parks, and generous green open spaces for all residents to enjoy.
Building trust with residents has been central to our mission, and the overwhelmingly positive resident vote earlier this year shows how strongly the estate residents support our proposals.
We’re proud to be taking this next step with our partners and Barnsbury residents.”
The project also includes two new publicly accessible parks, extensive landscaping improvements, and contributions to local green space and cycle routes. Delivery will be phased to minimise disruption and ensure residents benefit as quickly as possible.