Plans for flats above the Woodbine pub in Blackstock Road have been refused by Islington Council

CONTROVERSIAL plans to develop flats above a Highbury pub have been refused by Islington Council, after hundreds of people objected to the proposals.

Anxieties were soothed this week as the Town Hall ruled against the development above the Woodbine, one of Blackstock Road’s “most prized community assets”, which has existed for over 100 years. Two pubs have already announced their closure in the borough this month.

Plans for six flats above the Woodbine were submitted in April by building owners and property company Bank Estates Limited, which is based in Salford.

Roughly 300 objections were submitted by pub regulars, councillors and nearby residents who said they only became aware of the proposals in the week before consultations closed.

Despite claiming there would be no impact on the Woodbine’s trade, the plans would have encroached on 30 per cent of the ground floor’s space, making it “completely unviable” to continue.

Cat Barry, a Woodbine regular who led on the campaign to oppose the development, said she was “delighted” at the decision.

She told the Tribune: “The pub space is used by such a diverse range of people: residents, families and football fans.

“It was a vote of confidence that the council are actually looking at our points and listening. It’s nice to know that as residents, neighbours and members of the community your voice is being heard.

“We all had different points and connections to the pub that we thought were important, and they were clearly represented in what the council came back with.”

The news will come at a welcome time, as this month Archway pub Brendan the Navigator suddenly shut its doors due to “longstanding issues with developers”, whilst the Charlotte Despard confirmed its last pint will be poured on June 27.

Across the country, the British Beer and Pub Association said that pubs were closing at a rate of approximately 2 per day, and 161 closed in the first three months of this year.

Ms Barry added: “We just need more spaces like this, independent businesses where people can come together. And I’ll always raise a glass to that.

“I’m really happy that the community came together and was able to influence Islington’s decision.

“Even if they didn’t drink in the pub, most people I spoke to were pretty understanding that this decision would affect them or their community in some way, so it was great to see people invest their time and effort!”

Joe Meekel, who runs the Finsbury Park Focus Instagram account

She said she would enjoy a celebratory pint at the pub with other regulars after the decision.

Joe Meekel, who runs the Finsbury Park Focus Instagram account and helped to publicise the campaign, told the Tribune: “Independent pubs need our support more than ever. We’ve lost too many already. These pubs are the beating heart of communities, they are authentic local spaces and act a mechanism of unity and social cohesion.

“So this ruling is very important. It’s a testament that your voice matters and will be listened to, and the overwhelming response in objections says a lot about public reaction to third spaces coming under threat. These institutions are vital assets in our everyday lives and must be defended when and where possible.

“From publicans, influencers, Arsenal supporter groups and members of the community. The initial campaign gained traction and was shared far and wide.

“The very community that was nurtured in this pub pulled through and Islington heard each and every statement and took these into account in the decision-making process.”

Support for the campaign was given by councillors Benali Hamdache and Patrick Brighty, as well as the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA).

Councillor Hamdache, who represents Highbury, said: “I’m really glad the council has rejected the proposals.

“London has lost almost a thousand pubs since 2001. It’s vital our local plan continues to protect community venues.”

The planning application submitted by Bank Estate Services says that the proposed design would have “retained an active public house use”. The Tribune approached Bank Estate Services for further comment but received no response.