Hackney Society’s Planning Group: Quietly Protecting the Borough’s Heritage

Behind the scenes in Hackney, a dedicated group of volunteers has been quietly influencing the borough’s planning landscape. The Hackney Society’s Planning Group, made up largely of architects and design professionals, meets weekly to review and respond to planning applications submitted to the council. Their aim: to promote high-quality design and preserve Hackney’s rich architectural heritage.

Although their work often flies under the radar, the group has achieved significant successes. One major intervention involved the Ash Grove bus depot site. When a historic building on the site—Firmback Works—was unexpectedly slated for demolition, the group flagged a technical error in the process. Their intervention led to the demolition notice being lifted, preserving the building while planning guidance was still under consultation.

The group also plays a vital role in holding the council accountable when it comes to large-scale initiatives. A recent example includes their challenge to a wave of applications involving external wall insulation (EWI) on Victorian homes. While intended to improve energy efficiency, the proposals lacked critical detail and risked causing damp and mould. By formally objecting to dozens of applications, the group ensured these plans would receive full scrutiny by the planning committee.

Their work is often technical and time-consuming, but it offers a crucial voice in local planning—one grounded in conservation expertise and independent oversight. Even when their recommendations don’t shift outcomes, the group’s presence ensures that decisions are made with greater care and transparency.

To read more about the planning group see our page here or read this article in the Hackney Citizen.