The Hackney Council Planning Sub-Committee convened on 19 November 2025 and approved planning permission for three development projects: the Garages at Blackwell Close, the Former Boiler House on Pedro Street, and the Rectory Road Area Office. The committee also approved noting a document of delegated decisions for the period of 24 October 2025 to 6 November 2025, and agreed that the minutes of the previous meeting would be considered at a future meeting.

Planning Decisions

Garages Blackwell Close, E5 0TA

The sub-committee approved conditional planning permission for the demolition of existing garages at Blackwell Close and construction of 18 residential dwellings with associated amenities, subject to an additional design condition and the completion of a Legal Agreement.

The proposal involves the demolition of 33 garages, 12 of which are currently occupied, and the construction of a five-storey building with 18 social housing units. The development aims to be car-free, with the exception of two on-street Blue Badge bays. It also includes 36 long-stay and 6 visitor cycle parking spaces.

Concerns were raised regarding the size of the development, its impact on daylight for adjacent buildings (particularly Derby Court), and the loss of open space. The Hackney Society considered the proposal too large for the site and raised concerns about loss of light and privacy to neighbouring properties, suggesting a smaller design would be more appropriate.

The planning officer's report acknowledged that some neighbouring properties would experience a loss of light, but argued that the benefits of providing new social housing outweighed this harm. The report also noted that the development would improve the quality of open space for existing residents, despite the size of the new apartment block.

The additional design condition relates to the materials used on the building. While the planning officer's report noted that there were limited examples of render in the surrounding area, and that brick would be a higher quality outcome, the committee were satisfied that the proposed render had architectural merit and could be thoughtfully designed and executed.

Former Boiler House, Belper Court, Pedro Street, E5 0BE

The sub-committee approved recommendations to grant planning permission for variations to a previously approved permission (2017/3512) for the demolition of an existing boiler house and erection of a building to provide 26 residential units, subject to conditions and a deed of variation to the Unilateral Undertaking. The Former Boiler House is located on the south-western corner of the junction of Pedro Street and Rushmore Road.

The main variations include reducing the height of the 8-storey element to 6 storeys, increasing the 3-storey element to 4 storeys, amending the overall massing, amending internal layouts, and amending elevational treatments.

Two written objections were received, citing concerns about the impact on neighbouring amenity, including loss of daylight/sunlight and increased overlooking, the impact of additional occupants on local infrastructure/services, the impact on local car parking, and the impact of construction noise and dust on neighbouring amenity.

Rectory Road Area Office, 101-107 Farleigh Road, N16 7TE

The sub-committee approved conditional planning permission for the construction of 19 new residential dwellings at the Rectory Road Area Office, with associated amenity space, landscaping, play space, cycle parking, refuse stores, hard and soft improvements to public realm and other associated works, subject to completion of a unilateral undertaking.

The proposal involves constructing a five-storey apartment block with 19 social rented units on the site of the Morris Blitz estate. The development aims to be parking-free, with the exception of one blue badge bay, and includes 46 bicycle storage spaces.

Two objections, one letter of support and one neutral comment were received. Concerns were raised about overdevelopment of the site, harmful impacts on neighbour amenity (loss of light, outlook, privacy and ventilation), and loss of existing open space.

The Hackney Society also commented, raising concerns about the articulation of the facades, the balcony design and the high parapet making the building appear top heavy.

The planning officer's report acknowledged that the proposal would result in a loss of light, outlook and privacy to some neighbouring residents, but argued that this harm was outweighed by the benefits of providing 19 new social rented units. The report also stated that the proposal would improve the quality of open space for existing residents.

Delegated Decisions

The sub-committee approved noting the delegated decisions document for the period 24 October 2025 to 6 November 2025. The document lists decisions made by planning officers under delegated authority. Some of the notable decisions included:

• Approval of tree works in conservation areas¹
• Approval of householder planning applications
• Approval of a certificate of lawful development for a proposed rear roof extension
• Approval of advertisement consent for signage