The London Borough of Hackney covers a densely developed and architecturally varied part of East and North London. The borough contains traditional terraces, mansion blocks, post-war estates, converted warehouses, commercial streets, conservation areas and locations undergoing continued residential and mixed-use development.

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Hackney planning applications can therefore range from modest alterations to individual homes and flats to property conversions, roof extensions, commercial changes of use, new housing and larger redevelopment schemes.

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The borough includes Hackney Central, Shoreditch, Hoxton, Dalston, Stoke Newington, Clapton, Homerton, Haggerston, De Beauvoir Town, London Fields, Hackney Wick, Stamford Hill, Shacklewell and parts of Kingsland. Each area has its own mixture of property types, architectural character and development pressures.

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In residential areas such as Stoke Newington, Clapton, De Beauvoir Town, London Fields and Homerton, planning applications frequently involve rear extensions, roof extensions, replacement windows, alterations to flats, garden buildings and the subdivision or reconfiguration of existing properties.

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In Shoreditch, Hoxton, Dalston, Haggerston and Hackney Wick, proposals may involve commercial premises, restaurants, offices, studios, residential conversions, mixed-use buildings and the redevelopment of former industrial or warehouse sites. Applications in these locations may need to address design, servicing, noise, heritage, residential amenity and the effect on neighbouring uses.

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Conservation Areas and Local Planning Controls

 

Hackney contains many conservation areas, listed buildings and locally distinctive streets. Planning applications affecting these locations may require particular attention to scale, materials, roof forms, windows, boundary treatments and the relationship between a proposal and the surrounding buildings.

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Additional planning controls may affect:

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• Replacement windows and external doors

• Roof extensions and dormer windows

• Rear and side extensions

• Shopfront alterations

• Changes to commercial premises

• Demolition of buildings or structures

• Boundary walls, railings and gates

• External insulation and cladding

• Alterations to historic façades

• Changes affecting listed buildings

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Some properties may also be affected by Article 4 Directions, previous planning conditions or restrictions on permitted development rights. Work that might normally be permitted elsewhere could therefore require formal planning permission in Hackney.

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A proposal affecting a listed building may require listed building consent as well as planning permission. More detailed drawings, heritage information and material specifications may be needed to explain how the proposed work will preserve the significance and character of the building.

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Using the Hackney Planning Search

The Hackney planning search can be used to review current and historic planning applications affecting properties and development sites throughout the borough.

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Users can normally:

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• Search Hackney planning applications by address or reference

• View submitted drawings and supporting documents

• Check whether an application is pending, approved or refused

• Read decision notices and planning conditions

• Examine the planning history of a property

• Review applications affecting neighbouring sites

• Follow the progress of a current application

• Comment on proposals open for consultation

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Carrying out a Hackney planning application search before preparing a proposal can help identify previous decisions affecting the property and the surrounding area.

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Approved applications may provide useful local context, while refused proposals can reveal concerns involving design, heritage, noise, overlooking, loss of light, refuse storage or the intensity of development.

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However, approval for another property does not automatically mean that a similar proposal will be accepted. Each application is assessed according to its individual site, planning history, surroundings and the policies applying when the decision is made.

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Hackney Planning Portal

 

The Hackney planning portal provides access to publicly available planning information, including application forms, drawings, supporting documents, decisions and planning conditions.

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The portal can be particularly useful when:

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• Considering an extension or roof alteration

• Checking whether previous works had permission

• Investigating the planning history of a property

• Reviewing development proposals nearby

• Looking for comparable applications

• Checking planning conditions

• Preparing a new planning application

• Buying, selling or developing a property

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Planning records should be interpreted carefully. A previous approval may have been granted under different planning policies, site conditions or permitted development rights.

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Planning Permission in Hackney

 

The correct application route will depend on the type of property, the proposed work and any restrictions affecting the site.

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Planning permission in Hackney may be required for:

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• House and flat extensions

• Roof extensions and additional storeys

• Property conversions and subdivision

• Houses in multiple occupation

• Changes of use

• New homes and infill development

• Shopfront and commercial alterations

• Replacement windows in sensitive locations

• Retrospective development

• Work affecting conservation areas or listed buildings

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Some smaller projects may qualify as permitted development. A Lawful Development Certificate can provide formal confirmation that proposed or existing development is lawful.

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Preparing a Hackney Planning Application

 

Before drawings are prepared, it is important to establish the correct application route. Depending on the project, this may include:

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• Householder planning permission

• Full planning permission

• Prior approval

• Listed building consent

• Advertisement consent

• Change-of-use permission

• Lawful Development Certificate

• Retrospective planning permission

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A complete submission may require:

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• Location and block plans

• Existing and proposed floor plans

• Existing and proposed elevations

• Roof plans and building sections

• Street-scene drawings

• Design and access information

• Heritage or conservation statements

• Daylight and sunlight assessments

• Transport and parking information

• Tree, landscaping or ecology reports

• Drainage, waste or servicing details

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Planning Application Support

 

Planning Application Services (PAS) can assist with planning advice, architectural drawings and the preparation and submission of applications for properties throughout Hackney.