Decision delayed on controversial Charterhouse Square licence

‘Oasis of peace’: Charterhouse Square. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons

A decision on whether to grant a charity and former Carthusian monastery an events licence for a medieval green space has been put off until September.

The Charterhouse is facing opposition from local residents over the application, which could see live music, films and plays hosted on the nearby green.

Members of The Charterhouse’s community, or “Brothers”, are selected from a wide variety of professions, including teachers, clergymen, writers and editors, musicians and artists.

The application to Islington Council’s licensing sub-committee was put forward by private company Carthusia Ltd on behalf of The Charterhouse.

If successful, it would also secure a licence for the sale of alcohol.

The sub-committee had been expected to give a ruling on the matter on 7 August, but was forced to shelve the application till September.

The Citizen understands this is due to an incomplete filing of paperwork on the part of the applicant.

The Charterhouse, located between Barbican and Smithfield Market, provides residences to people over 60 in need of financial and social support.

The licence would cover a maximum of 10 events per year, with opening hours between 11am and 10pm, Monday to Sunday.

However, 32 letters of representation opposing the application are to be considered by the sub-committee, including documentation from residents’ association Florin Court Freehold Limited as well as Islington Council’s own Noise Team.

One resident said: “This is an historic quiet square, an oasis of peace in the humdrum of the city. The amenity of residents will be affected by the granting of such a licence.

“There are plenty of places selling alcohol within a minute’s walk on the side streets near the square.

“These cause a lot of noise and pavements are frequently blocked with people spilling onto the road. This is bad enough near the square, but they are not actually on the square.

“The square is built over a medieval burial ground. I have a problem with an alcohol licence being granted on a medieval burial site. It does not seem right to me. I strongly object.”

Islington’s licensing sub-committees next month will sit on 11 and 27 September. It is not yet clear at which meeting The Charterhouse’s application will be decided upon.