06 Oct 2014, 4:33 pm
The mayor called in the application by Royal Mail Group for his determination earlier this year after the two planning authorities, the London Boroughs of Islington and Camden, failed to issue decision notices within the prescribed timeline.
The plans include the construction of 681 homes as well as shops, offices, restaurants and public open space.
The Greater London Authority said in a statement that the proposals had been approved following negotiations with the Royal Mail Group to increase the affordable housing provision within the development from 12% to 24%.
“London is growing at a record rate and within a few years there will be more people living here than at any time in the city’s history," said Johnson. "Building new homes is absolutely crucial and by working closely with the local authorities and Royal Mail we have been able to bring forward a scheme that had been in serious danger of stalling while doubling the amount of affordable homes.”
Royal Mail Group property director Martin Gafsen said that the Group would now work to complete the design of the pre-development works at the site, to allow mail operations to be separated from the planned residential areas.
