A health food shop was saved last week after a huge community effort to overturn controversial plans to build on the site. Bumblebee, on Brecknock Road, Holloway, was set to have its kitchen demolished and a block of four flats built in its place.
But the plans initially recommended by the council were refused last week after a campaign led by locals and organic food lovers gathered a petition of 570 signatures and 130 letters of objection.
The planning commission decided that the willingness of the land owners to negotiate with its tenants was reason enough to reject the proposed plans.
A spokesman for the commission said: “We have to protect the character of Islington; we must protect small businesses, they are fundamental to the economy.”
Ian Ogilvie, owner of Bumblebee, said: “The loss of the kitchen would have many implications. The food cooked in the kitchen is sold in the adjacent shop, and if I lose retail space, I lose the whole premises.
“The implications of this are huge for me as a businessperson as lots of money gets spent in other shops in that street,” he added.
The shop, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, is located in a protected local shopping area and helps other nearby businesses by attracting customers to the area.
Those opposed to the plans also highlighted a probable domino effect on other businesses if the kitchen were to be closed.
Mr Ogilvie said: “My shop brings a lot of people to the road, and if it closed, other businesses could be desimated.”
Labour councillor Jessica Asato of St George’s Ward, said: “The plans would mean a loss of jobs, a loss of a retail area, a loss of a shopping area, a loss of employment and a loss of a valuable piece of the community.
“Bumblebee is one of the star attractions of a small row of shops in Brecknock Road.”
Liberal Democrat councillor David Wilson, also of St George’s Ward, agreed: “It’s absolutely vital for Brecknock Road that Bumblebee goes on as it is.
“If you take the kitchen away, lunchtime will be taken away, and after a while the whole thing will collapse.”
Chef Maria Matheou, one of 13 members of staff at Bumblebee, added: “The shop is a big part of the community.
“All the local people have been customers for years.”
