P2026/0454/FUL

The proposed LED screens are energy efficient, and the proposed unit would use renewable energy (Policy S1).

The proposed unit would materials that could be recycled after use and approximately 99% of the proposed materials could be recycled at the end of their required life (Policy S10) 40. It is considered that the submitted SDCS is proportionate to the scale of the development and would comply with sustainability policies of the SDMP (2023). Biodiversity, Trees, and Landscape 41. Policy G1 of the SDMP requires developments to preserve and enhance the borough’s network of green infrastructure. Street trees are included in the definition of green infrastructure. 42. Policy G4 (Part A) of the SDMP states that ‘all developments must protect, enhance and contribute to the landscape, biodiversity value and growing conditions of the development site and surrounding area, including protecting and enhancing connectivity between habitats.’ 43. Policy G4 part G states: All developments are required to minimise impacts on existing trees, hedges, shrubs and other significant vegetation, and provide sufficient space for the crowns and root systems of existing and proposed trees and their future growth. Developments within proximity of existing trees are required to provide protection from any damage during development. The Council will normally refuse permission or consent for the removal of protected trees, i.e. trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and trees within a conservation area; and for proposals that would have a detrimental impact on the health of protected trees. 44. Policy G4 part H states that any loss of or damage to trees or other significant planting, or adverse effects on their growing conditions or survival, will only be permitted where it is demonstrably unavoidable in order to meet other relevant Local Plan policy requirements (as agreed with the Council). In such circumstances, the developer must compensate for the loss of trees and follow the tree hierarchy. 45. Paragraph 5.38 of the SDMP (the supporting text to Policy G4) states, among other things, that trees are vital for biodiversity, adapting to climate change and that trees are of a particular value in Islington due the dense nature of the borough and limited amount of green space. 46. Paragraph 5.43 of the SDMP states that: ‘Development proposals which are likely to affect trees within the application site or on land adjacent to the site (including street trees) are required to follow the process outlined in BS5837:2012 and include an up-to-date Arboricultural Impact Assessment, which must include a Tree Constraints Plan and Tree Survey. If the impacts identified require tree protection or identify special working methods within the root protection area of retained trees, an Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan (to BS5837:2012) will also be required.’ 47. There are two mature street trees of significant amenity value located within close proximity to the proposed communication hub. It should be noted that only one of these trees is shown on the proposed site plan. Additionally, as previously noted in this report, there appears to be inaccuracies in the location of the tree that is shown in the drawings. In reality, this tree seems to be closer to the boundary wall with Fairweather House. 48. The drawing inaccuracies mean it is not explicitly clear how close to both street trees the proposed hub would be. Based on the annotated measurements for the tree that is shown on plan, the proposed hub would be located only 2.9m away from its trunk. No details nor distances have been provided relating to the other tree that is south of the proposed location. 49. Given the drawing inaccuracies, and in the absence of any other details/surveys such as an Arboricultural Impact Assessment, Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan, it has not been demonstrated to the Council that the proposed development would not have an adverse effect on the growing conditions and long term health of these trees. The Council’s Tree Preservation Officer has also objected to the proposal on this basis. 50. As the application is being refused on design and highways grounds, it was not prudent for the Council to seek further information on trees during the assessment of the application. 51. Overall, the proposal is contrary to policies G1 and G4 of Islington’s Strategic and Development Management Policies (2023). Conclusion 52. It is recommended that planning permission and advertisement consent are REFUSED.