Serious concerns over Islington Council’s planning portal have been raised by EC1VOICES, a grassroots organisation dedicated to preserving Finsbury’s open spaces and sports facilities.
By Barbara Jacobson
Serious concerns over Islington Council’s planning portal have been raised by EC1VOICES, a grassroots organisation dedicated to preserving Finsbury’s open spaces and sports facilities. The portal, essential for submitting objections to the controversial Finsbury Leisure Centre redevelopment plan, has been plagued with technical issues, especially affecting mobile and tablet users—the primary devices used by many in the community.
Despite multiple warnings from EC1VOICES, the Council has not fully resolved these issues, putting many residents at a disadvantage when attempting to access planning documents or submit comments. The redevelopment plan (Ref: P2024/2512/FUL) includes the removal of four 5-a-side football pitches and a substantial change to the local leisure centre. Comments on the application are to close on Saturday 2 November, leaving little time for residents who do not have their own computers.
The LBI planning site does not say this, but comments can also be submitted directly by email to the planning officer, [email protected] or [email protected] or, by post to Planning, London Borough of Islington, Town Hall, Upper Street N1 2UD. This does not solve the problem of access to the planning documents, which have to be viewed online, or by visiting the Planning Office at 222 Upper Street.
Portal Failures and Disadvantaged Residents
The portal’s mobile interface forces residents to navigate through unrelated pages or errors before even finding the relevant documents.
“It’s unacceptable that the Council’s planning portal is essentially inaccessible to so many of us,” said Eva Guerra, spokesperson for EC1VOICES. “We’ve tried to lodge a formal complaint, but even their complaints system is broken.”
Call for Councillor Support
EC1VOICES reached out to all Bunhill Ward councillors to demand an extension of the consultation period, given the severe issues. To date, none of the councillors have responded. Cllr Una O’Halloran claimed she didn’t believe residents were disadvantaged by the portal issues— this is despite general digital access problems, especially for older residents, being recognised by the Council’s own Health and Care Scrutiny Committee in March 2024.
“We believe that the Council has failed its residents by not ensuring equal access to the consultation process. People who are less tech-savvy or rely on mobile devices are being excluded from participating,” added Guerra.
What’s at Stake: A £157.6 Million Project
This latest attempt to grab the pitches is part of a £157.6 million project, but only 14% of the budget (£22.4 million) is allocated to sports facilities and the new leisure centre. This raises questions about the true priorities of the project, which seems more focused on housing development than protecting and improving the much-loved community sports spaces. By the Council’s admission the proposal contravenes some of their own policies, especially the constraints set out for the St Luke’s Conservation Area, for developments within 50 metres of St Luke’s church. These problems include the building heights, placement and materials proposed.
Campaign Funding and Donations
EC1VOICES is raising funds to support their legal fight and secure expert reports to challenge the proposal effectively. The campaign has raised just under £13,000 via direct-to-bank donations and its fundraising page on Chuffed.org. The group’s goal is £20,000 to cover legal fees, community outreach, and expert consultations.
Next Steps
EC1VOICES is continuing to gather support from the community and exploring all options to ensure the Council addresses these accessibility issues. The group has also produced a film with Hollow Earth advocating against the development. EC1VOICES urges all local residents to submit comments on the plans by 2 November and donate to their campaign to ensure that this latest threat to open space in Bunhill does not succeed.