Help shape the future of planning guidance in Hackney
Overview
Hackney Council is consulting on three draft Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) that will support planning decisions for residential alterations and extensions, commercial alterations and extensions, and retrofit improvements. These documents aim to make our expectations clearer, support sustainable development, and ensure better design outcomes.
We’re seeking feedback from residents, businesses, designers, and anyone else with an interest in how buildings are adapted and improved in Hackney. Your views will help us identify anything that’s unclear, any unintended consequences, or where more detail might be needed.
An information pack summarising the three draft SPDs is also available to download HERE.
Printed copies of the draft SPDs are available in ALL local libraries and physical questionnaires can be requested by emailing planmaking@hackney.gov.uk.
You can provide feedback online using this survey, which is split into three sections. You can choose which SPDs you want to comment on.
What are we consulting on?
Draft Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD
This replaces Hackney’s existing Residential Extensions and Alterations Supplementary Planning Document. It provides guidance on how to extend or alter residential properties including roof extensions, rear extensions basements, roof terraces, outbuildings and how to make a residential building more accessible. The updated guidance aims to improve clarity and reflect recent changes in planning policy together with responding to changing development types.
You can view the full draft SPD here.
Draft Commercial Extensions and Alterations SPD
This updates the adopted Shopfront Guidance to reflect changes in local and national policy and provide additional design guidance with supporting illustrations for alterations and extensions to non-residential units. It sets out design principles for commercial buildings, including extensions, plant and equipment, shopfronts, advertisements, accessibility, and shop-to-residential conversions.
You can view the full draft SPD here.
This is a new guidance document that sets out Hackney’s approach to retrofitting existing buildings to improve energy efficiency and environmental performance. It includes guidance on insulation, ventilation, windows, heat pumps, and solar panels — helping residents and developers navigate the retrofit process and meet local planning expectations.
Why your views matter
We want to make sure these documents are as clear, helpful, and accessible as possible for those who use them — whether you’re a resident making changes to your home, a business looking to expand, or a professional working in planning and design.
Your feedback will help us correct any issues, avoid unintended consequences, and ensure the final versions are useful and proportionate.
On the next page, we’ll ask which SPD you want to comment on first. You can then choose to move to the next one or skip to the end. This means you only need to answer questions relevant to your interests — you don’t need to complete every section.
Drop-in events across Hackney
We’re holding a series of in-person drop-in sessions in libraries across the borough, where you can speak to the team in person and ask any questions about the draft planning guidance.
Urban design and strategic planning officers will be available throughout each session. You don’t need to book — just drop in at any time.
The map below shows where each event is taking place. You can zoom in, move around, and search for a location near you. Dates and locations may change, so please check back here for the most up-to-date information.
If you’re unable to use the map, or would prefer to view the events as a list, please scroll to the end of this page for full details of all our upcoming drop-ins and online sessions.
This is an interactive map.
these are the in-person events for the SPD consultation
Online consultation sessions
If you can’t make it to a drop-in, you can also join one of our online consultation events. These are free to attend and open to anyone with an interest in the draft SPDs.
Each session will focus on one of the draft guidance documents. Council officers will give a short presentation, followed by time for questions and discussion. You’ll need to register in advance by clicking the links below.
Retrofit SPD – Tuesday 23 September, 6–7pm
Commercial Extensions and Alterations SPD – Tuesday 30 September, 6–7pm
Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD – Thursday 16 October, 6–7pm
Have your say on planning guidance in Hackney
Events
-
Online Q&A – Draft Retrofit SPD
From 23 Sep 2025 at 18:00 to 23 Sep 2025 at 19:30This online session will present Hackney Council’s Draft Retrofit Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), outlining the proposals and giving you the chance to ask questions and share your views. Please register in advance to attend:
bit.ly/DraftRetrofitSPD -
In-person drop-in: Dalston Library
From 27 Sep 2025 at 11:00 to 27 Sep 2025 at 13:30Come along to speak with Council officers about the draft Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) and how they might affect you. Urban design and strategic planning officers will be available throughout the session to answer questions and hear your views.
No need to book - just drop in at any time. -
In-person drop-in: Stamford Hill Library
From 29 Sep 2025 at 17:00 to 29 Sep 2025 at 19:30Come along to speak with Council officers about the draft Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) and how they might affect you. Urban design and strategic planning officers will be available throughout the session to answer questions and hear your views.
No need to book - just drop in at any time. -
Online Q&A – Draft Commercial Extensions and Alterations SPD
From 30 Sep 2025 at 18:00 to 30 Sep 2025 at 19:30Take part in an online session about the Draft Commercial Extensions and Alterations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Council officers will introduce the proposals and answer your questions. Please register in advance to attend:
bit.ly/DraftCommercialExtensionsSPD -
In-person drop-in: Homerton Library
From 2 Oct 2025 at 17:00 to 2 Oct 2025 at 19:30Come along to speak with Council officers about the draft Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) and how they might affect you. Urban design and strategic planning officers will be available throughout the session to answer questions and hear your views.
No need to book - just drop in at any time. -
Online Q&A – Draft Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD
From 16 Oct 2025 at 18:00 to 16 Oct 2025 at 19:30Join Hackney Council officers online to learn about the Draft Residential Extensions and Alterations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and how it might affect you. The session will include a short presentation and an opportunity to ask questions and share your views. Please register in advance to attend:
bit.ly/DraftResidentialExtensionsSPD
Interests
- Cabinet
- Council Committee
- Councillors
- Democracy and participation
- Gathering ideas
- Health and wellbeing
- New Homes Programme
- Planning
- Regeneration
- Sustainability
- Understanding views
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