Following a public inquiry, an Inspector has dismissed a s.78 appeal against the decision of the London Borough of Islington to refuse permission for a major office redevelopment scheme of some 11,000 sqm at Regent’s Wharf, Kings Cross on heritage and amenity grounds.

The proposal involved the redevelopment of the Regent’s Wharf office complex and the remodelling of the locally listed late-19th century Victorian wharf buildings which abut the Regent’s Canal. The Inspector agreed with the local planning authority and Historic England that the buildings are major contributors to the character and appearance of the Regent’s Canal Conservation Area. The contemporary modifications to the roofline, windows and elevations of the Victorian buildings “would affect key aspects of the archaeological, architectural and historic character of the Conservation Area and harm its significance” as well as causing harm to the non-designated assets. Applying the tests in the NPPF, the Inspector concluded that the public benefits of the scheme would not outweigh the harm to the Conservation Area.

Sarah Sackman represented the successful local planning authority.

The decision can be found here.