‘Anywhere architecture’: Angel development described as ‘dull’ by campaigners gets go ahead from Town Hall planners

What the new building will look like. Image: AHMM

An “iconic” building that stands at the gateway to the Angel shopping and business area can be replaced with a greener office block – despite cries from opponents that the plans “lack ambition”.

The scheme would see the postmodern stone facade replaced with glass fronts and two new storeys inside to provide more office space and room for shops and a cafe at the ground floor.

There will also be a new home for the pub on the corner of Torrens Street and City Road.

The Twentieth Century Society and Save Britain’s Heritage said the building with its Italianate tower echoing a cupola opposite on Islington High Street should be kept as an example of postmodern 1980s architecture.

However Islington’s planning department said they compared it with iconic buildings of the time and “found it wanting”.

They said it “simply does not possess the extraordinary qualities” of other postmodern buildings, describing its detailing as “clumsy and clumpy”.

Eric Sorensen of the Islington Association said the new design at such a prominent gateway to the Angel business and shopping area was lacking in ambition.

He labelled the proposal “anywhere architecture”.

He welcomed changes to the design after consultation with residents and neighbours, but added: “The proposal remains lacking in ambition, without the distinction or status that such a prominent site deserves.”

Residents from Duncan Terrace asked for the decision to be deferred so they could take legal action and consider their options such as a judicial review.

They fear the tall building will overlook their homes and affect their privacy.

Planning officer Stefan Sanctuary said the terrace is more than 18 metres away and loss of privacy is not normally considered at that distance.

The existing office block. Photograph: Derwent London

Michael Foster Smith for the applicants, real estate company Tishman Speyer, which paid £86m for the building last year, said: “The top floor is set back on height and has been designed with residents in mind.”

He said the light impact on Duncan Terrace had been tested as “this is  a key consideration for us”.

He added: “We are proud of the scheme and its design and sustainability. We think it is something Islington should be proud of.”

Cllr Tricia Clarke said the climate emergency highlighted by the summer’s extreme temperatures means buildings have to be efficient.

“You have a chance to really put forward a design that will really adapt to climate change,” she said. “I don’t really see that.”

She wanted more details on the use of grey water and energy.

The developer said the glass would optimise heat in the winter and allow windows to open in the summer, reducing reliance on air conditioning.

It would also cut water use by 50 per cent with tanks and with water from showers being used to flush toilets.

Cllr Paul Convery recalled that the current building was seen as “controversial” in 1988 when plans were considered: “This modern style was not very popular.”

He said the present building was “distinctive and has become a landmark”.

But he added that the replacement “is not a very good building”.

He said: “It’s true that what is being proposed by way of replacement, the words bland and anonymous have been used – there’s some truth in that. It’s a fairly functional building.”

He added the sustainability of the new building was “much better”.

The planning committee approved the scheme.