HTA Planning was appointed by Islington Council to advise on the redevelopment of a redundant bus depot on Vorley Road, a prominent and complex site at the heart of Archway Island. The site formed part of a broader allocation for mixed-use development, with the remaining plots already advanced by private developers by the time work began. Given the site’s constrained triangular footprint and its high public visibility, we worked closely with Levitt Bernstein architects to explore options that could maximise residential and community value. Together, we developed a strategy that delivered new homes and active ground floor uses while responding to the sensitivities of local context and scale. A major breakthrough was our successful case to remove a longstanding aspiration for a through-route across the site. This unlocked significant additional floorspace and allowed for a more coherent development footprint. Our approach was underpinned by detailed dialogue with planning and design officers, resulting in strong council support and a positive planning outcome. Although the scheme received resolution to grant permission in 2023, evolving fire safety regulations necessitated revisions. We continued to advise through the redesign process, maintaining consistency in planning objectives and alignment with policy. The project is a testament to the value of early collaboration, strategic thinking, and a shared commitment to high-quality place-making.
