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In a decision of 3 October 2024, Inspector Dominic Young has approved the demolition of Edward Rudolf House, a mid-Twentieth Century office building lying between two Conservation Areas, and sanctioned its replacement with a four storey office building with affordable workspace provision.
The decision is interesting for the approach taken to design, which includes the advice to local authorities that they should apply “balance and scrutiny” to the design advice that they receive from their consultees. The Inspector differed from a previous Inspector in assessing the contribution that the existing building makes to the significance of nearby assets and to the townscape.
In addition, the decision includes a notable assessment of the likely effects on neighbouring homes internal daylight as a result of the development. It also considers qualitative aspects of the on-site provision of affordable workspace in line with the London Plan and the Islington Local Plan. The Inspector disallowed a contribution towards the repair of the public highway as not complying with CIL Reg 122.
The appeal decision can be accessed here.
Rupert Warren KC represented the Appellants, instructed by ROK Planning; the scheme was designed by Gensler and Katie Harley of GIA gave the evidence on daylight.
Andrew Byass represented the LB Islington.
