Regent's Wharf light pollution amendment
(Planning ref: P2023/1346/NMA)
Context/history
This application is an attempt to modify some planning conditions that were imposed, for very good reasons, by the council in December 2020.
It relates to planning application P2019/3481/FULL, which was approved by the planning committee in July 2020. For further context of the full application please see the comments, drawings, documents and objections on our dedicated web page.
The specific topic of this application is light pollution. The developers are hoping to relax the light pollution constraints in the vicinity of Regent's Wharf.
This is not the first time that the developers have pushed their luck with light pollution. See also our objections in September 2020.
Description of the application
The developers' intentions are described in this covering letter
The developers are trying to diminish conditions 30 and 31, which were imposed by the council in December 2020. Both of these conditions include the following statement:
"The lighting plan must adhere to the restrictions of category E2 for the canalside and category E3 on All Saints Street".
The developers are claiming that these categories should be elevated to E3 and E4.
Hence the developers are demonstrating that they have no interest whatsoever in enhancing the canal environment.
Definition of the light pollution categories
Here are some definitions of the zone classifications. This stretch of the canal is undeniably in Category E2
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).
Why to object
This is an aggressive, abusive and insensitive application.
* The general tone of the application is overconfident. It tries to give the impression that this is a 'done deal' and hence there is little point in resisting it.
* The developers are abusing the system and are trying to undermine the council's experts.
* The proposals are insensitive to the nearby residents and to the local wildlife.
This stretch of the canal is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) and a Site of Metropolitan Importance (SMI). So it does NOT need any additional lighting
The council made the right decision in December 2020 when it issued conditions 30 and 31. There are no good reasons for reversing them or watering them down.
How to object
Method 1 - via online portal
The quickest method is to use the link below (assuming that it works OK). This will ensure that all the correct details are filled in but there is no guarantee that you will receive an acknowledgement including a copy of your comments.
https://planning.islington.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/PLComments.aspx?pk=522572
Method 2 - via e-mail
If you want to send photographs or a structured letter or document, or if you want to share your comments with others, then you can send an e-mail to the case officer. Your e-mail subject must include the planning reference (P2023/1346/NMA) and you must include your address and contact details.
The e-mail must be sent to Joseph.Hennessy@islington.gov.uk and planning@islington.gov.uk
Deadline : 11th June 2023
Planning Documents
Light Pollution Letter (Apr 2023)
Light Pollution Study (Apr 2023)
Council guidelines for Regent's Canal West
Council website
Show summary of the application (as at 6th June 2023)