Mayor of London calls in Archway Campus development

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has formally called in the controversial Archway Campus redevelopment, following its recent refusal by Islington Council.

The proposed scheme, which includes a 27-storey tower and 242 student rooms, was refused two weeks ago by the council. Concerns cited included the development’s excessive scale, its failure to deliver sufficient affordable housing, and the impact on the character and appearance of the Holborn Union Infirmary Conservation Area.

The project has faced strong opposition from local residents, community groups, and heritage organisations, who argue that it breaches multiple local, London-wide, and national planning policies.

The Mayor’s decision to call in the development raises fears that Islington Council’s refusal could be overturned. In a statement, Sadiq Khan said the scheme “has the potential to make an important contribution towards housing and affordable housing delivery targets in Islington and London more widely.”

Meanwhile, a final decision is still awaited from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) regarding the potential listing of the Archway Campus buildings.