The Planning Sub-Committee of Hackney Council met on Wednesday 2 September 2026. The committee granted planning permission for a new sauna at The Castle Climbing Centre and deferred a decision on a proposed change of use at 2 Lovell House. The committee noted the delegated decisions document for the period of 17 July to 20 August 2026. The minutes of the previous Planning Sub-Committee meeting, held on 2 July 2026, were agreed as an accurate record of those meeting's proceedings.

The Castle Climbing Centre, Green Lanes, Hackney, London, N4 2HA

Planning permission was granted for the demolition of an existing timber shelter and the construction of a temporary timber sauna at The Castle Climbing Centre. The decision was subject to conditions, including an additional condition requiring an investigation into access alternatives.

The proposal, application number 2026/0417, involved replacing a dilapidated timber shelter with a 16-person sauna, shower, changing, and staff facilities. The new structure would increase the footprint from 32 to approximately 40 square metres and stand at 2.2 metres high. The sauna is intended to be a temporary five-year facility, complementing the existing recreational uses of the Grade II* listed Castle Climbing Centre.

Concerns were raised by local residents regarding potential loss of privacy, noise, light pollution, and increased pressure on infrastructure. The applicants, Community Sauna CIC, addressed these by clarifying that the sauna would be a controlled facility, not an event space, with a supervisor on site. They also highlighted design measures to mitigate noise and light spill, such as orienting the outdoor area away from neighbours and using inward and downward-directed lighting.

During the meeting, Councillor Jas Crowe raised concerns about the accessibility of the route to the sauna, noting the steep gradient. The applicant explained that while the sauna itself would be accessible, the existing garden path presented challenges. The committee agreed to add a condition for a future plan to improve the accessibility of the route.

Councillor Kwame Otiende inquired about the experience of the applicants in running similar facilities and the affordability of the sauna. Stephen Moorhouse, founder of Community Sauna CIC, stated they had operated six community saunas in London and aimed to be the most affordable operator. He mentioned a session cost of around £15-£16, providing 90 minutes of use, with concessions available. Councillor Otiende's question about affordability was noted as not being a material planning consideration.

The site is designated as Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) and is within the Stoke Newington Reservoirs, Filter Beds and New River Conservation Area. The proposal was considered to be an appropriate use within MOL, aligning with national and local planning policies that protect such areas while allowing for appropriate recreational facilities. The temporary nature of the development was also a key factor in its approval.

The decision to grant planning permission was made subject to several conditions, including a five-year time limit for the development, details on ventilation, lighting, operational management, and sustainable drainage systems. An additional condition was added to investigate and provide further details for a future accessible path.

2 Lovell House, Shrubland Road, Hackney, London, E8 4NJ

The application to convert a ground-floor community flat into a residential unit at 2 Lovell House was deferred. The committee requested further information to be brought back at a later date.

The proposal, application number 2026/0574, involved changing the use of a community facility, used by the Tenants Residents Association (TRA), into a one-bedroom residential unit. The council's report highlighted that while the TRA had been using the space for over 10 years, its capacity was limited to 15 people, and its use was infrequent. The council proposed an alternative community facility at Regent's Estate Pensioner's Hall, which is larger, more accessible, and free for the TRA to use.

Objections were raised by the TRA, who expressed concerns about the loss of a vital community space used for meetings, support for vulnerable residents, and community events. They also raised concerns about the placement and cost of proposed cycle storage and potential noise and anti-social behaviour associated with it.

The committee's decision to defer the application indicates a need for further information or clarification before a final decision can be made.

Delegated Decisions

The committee noted the delegated decisions document for the period of 17 July to 20 August 2026. These are decisions made by council officers under delegated authority, typically for smaller planning applications that do not require committee review.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous Planning Sub-Committee meeting, held on 2 July 2026, were agreed as an accurate record of those meeting's proceedings.