Here's a summary of the Hackney Council Planning Sub-Committee meeting:

The sub-committee granted conditional planning permission for the redevelopment of the New Era Estate and outline planning permission for Phases 5-8 of the Woodberry Down Estate, both subject to legal agreements and referral to the Mayor of London. They also approved the minutes of the previous meeting and noted the delegated decisions made since then.

Woodberry Down Estate, Phases 5-8

The sub-committee approved conditional outline planning permission for the redevelopment of Phases 5-8 of the Woodberry Down estate. The plan includes up to 3,083 homes, 950 square metres of non-residential space for local community use, and a 300 square metre energy centre. This decision is subject to a legal agreement and referral to the Mayor of London.

The development aims for 43% affordable housing, split between social rent (44%) and shared ownership/equity (56%). This equates to 19% social rent across the remaining phases.

The application seeks to replace existing housing stock, which the council considers beyond economic repair.

The Stoke Newington Conservation Area Advisory Committee (CAAC) and Hackney Society Planning Group raised concerns about the project, including:

• An increase in housing density of 140% from the original 2007 masterplan.
• A reduction in social housing units from 1,584 to 1,320.
• Inadequate measures to address climate emergency issues.
• Demolition of youth facilities without adequate replacement.

Sustainable Hackney's Housing and Built Environment Group supported the CAAC's comments, emphasising the need to minimise the carbon footprint of the works and questioning the level of social housing proposed.

The Friends of Rowley Gardens expressed concern that the proposals fail to account for the special nature of Rowley Gardens, involving the removal of homes, green areas, and a public highway.

Sport England objected to the lack of financial contribution to built sporting facilities.

The Woodberry Down Community Organisation broadly supported the application but had reservations about affordability, density, podiums, wind conditions, and public open space.

New Era Estate

The sub-committee approved conditional planning permission for the redevelopment of the New Era Estate, located on land bound by Orsman Road, Halcombe Street, Phillip Street, and Whitmore Road. The proposal involves constructing residential units and flexible retail space across four buildings, ranging from three to 13 storeys. The development will also include landscaped communal amenity space, secure cycle parking, and refuse storage. This decision is subject to completing a legal agreement and referral to the Mayor of London.

The development will provide 208 new homes, a net increase of 112 units, contributing to local and national targets.

The development aims for 50% affordable housing by room, with a split of approximately 60/40 between what is similar to socially rented units and intermediate units.

The Hackney Society raised concerns about the scheme, including the removal of public accessibility through the site, poor design standards, excessive height and massing, and a lack of parking for delivery services.

Delegated Decisions

The sub-committee noted the delegated decisions document, by ward, for the period 17 July 2025 to 21 August 2025.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 30 July 2025, were approved as an accurate record.