REGENT'S WHARF

Objections to light pollution report

On 21st July 2020 the Islington planning committee was cornered into approving planning application P2019/3481/FUL (Regent's Wharf redevelopment). This was conditional upon the proposed ground floor restaurant being replaced by office space.

A further 20 documents have appeared on the council website since that meeting and we have been invited to comment on the latest revisions.

There is still an outstanding light pollution issue that must be challenged. The developers have assumed that the canal sits in a zone of high night time activity, due to its proximity to King's Cross station. This demonstrates total disrespect for the wildlife and tranquillity of the canal.


Here is a statement from the light pollution report written by GIA :-

4.1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL ZONE

The site is located within London’s central Zone 1, on the fringe of the Central Activity Zone set out within the London Plan. The Islington Local Plan Policies Map identifies the site as an Employment Growth Area. Furthermore, the site is located in close proximity of King’s Cross station and Kings Place, which have a high level of night time activity. The area is therefore considered to be part of Environmental Zone 4 as defined within section 3.1 of this report.

A copy of the full report (7.6MB) is available here


We must object strongly this statement. The canal should be classified as E2 not E4


Here are some definitions of the zone classifications

E0: Dark landscapes (UNESCO Starlight Reserves, IDA Dark Sky Parks, etc.)

E1: Intrinsically dark landscapes (National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, etc.)

E2: Low district brightness areas (Rural, small village, or relatively dark urban locations)

E3: Medium district brightness areas (Small town centres or urban locations)

E4: High district brightness areas (Town/city centres with high levels of night time activity)

Further guidance is available in this independent report written by DfL Ltd.


How to object

Please send an e-mail to simon.roberts@islington.gov.uk and planning@islington.gov.uk with the subject "Objection to P2019/3481/FUL" and explain that you object to the developer's assumption about the environmental zone classification. (Consultation ends on 10th September 2020).


Sample objection

Click here to see our objection.